6 4 Û Guide to Innovation, Investment and Education in Germany Guide to Innovation, Investment and Education in Germany You seek excellence in education, research, development and business. We offer information on outstanding Networks of Competence in Germany. kompetenznetze.de presents these top-class networks and can be used as both a research source and a communication platform by individuals and organizations around the world who wish to identify opportunities for cooperation. Profiles of the networks of competence kompetenznetze.de sees itself as a»club of the best«. The networks presenting their innovation highlights on the platform have been selected on the basis of demanding criteria. Each profile gives an introductory summary of the activities of a Network of Competence, in a short but informative text accompanied by graphics and pictures. A clear overview is provided of the services offered by the network and the participating research organizations, companies and academic institutions. The representatives of the networks can be contacted directly. Innovation highlights Innovation highlights portray examples of successful collaborative projects carried out by the Networks of Competence. Each presentation consists of a short description and accompanying illustrations. Fields of innovation Germany has numerous, highly efficient research organizations. World-class innovations and market-leading products are generated in many areas of advanced technology. kompetenznetze.de provides information on those fields of innovation in which German research holds a leading position. The importance of each field of innovation is underlined by information on the main aspects of research and development, markets and education. Regions In a highly competitive globalized world, the regions with the best prospects for the future are those where competent partners from the research, industrial and education sectors are able to work close together on joint solutions under conditions that encourage innovation. kompetenznetze.de pinpoints the regions where networks of competence are located. Each region is presented in terms of its major advantages, including its research, industrial and educational structure and other infrastructural factors. Further services at Û News Daily news service with current reports on research funding, research policy and innovation, and new developments in key fields of innovation Û Events Information on events concerning such topics as innovation and network management or research sponsorship, and on events related to a specific region or field of innovation Û Reference literature An Overview of relevant reference works on the subjects of innovation research, innovation management, research sponsorship and research policy Û Document-on-Demand Compile your own report from the content offered at kompetenznetze.de Û Information material, Internet links, Technology market...

7 Û Words of welcome Edelgard Bulmahn 5 Words of welcome Edelgard Bulmahn, Federal Minister of Education and Research Focused research not only breeds the potential for innovation but also calls for transparency. Its contribution to economic value added (EVA) and to employment must be measurable. It must find resonance in society as a whole. Research has to emerge from its ivory tower and step out into the open, allowing potential investors to earmark projects worth their support and enabling scientists to identify subject areas and ideas worth pursuing. kompetenznetze.de offers an ideal platform for the exchange of information, provides orientation in assessing Germany s strengths, and helps to promote cooperation in strategically important areas of emerging technology. This Internet portal spotlights the very best in German research. Anyone seeking information on the latest developments in fields as diverse as genomics, maritime engineering and nanotechnology will find succinct presentations and appropriate contacts on this site. The Internet portal features some of the most successful cooperative alliances in which partners from the spheres of science, business, industry, education and financial services have formed long-term, trust-based working relationships. It also gives international visibility to the profiles and images of the various regions. This is important because collaborative ventures often rely on support from experienced individuals of high international repute. In Aachen, it is the scientists working at the universities and related research and development institutes who direct, coordinate and promote such activities. In the Stuttgart region this role is performed by local industry. Jena s reputation in the optics industry proves that locations in former East Germany can also claim a stake in competitive global markets. Ongoing evaluation and a demanding selection procedure guarantee the exceptional value attached to kompetenznetze.de. Over the past year, numerous new entries have helped to refine the profile of German research, with presentations on 91 different networks 20 more than the year before. The field of medicine has recently become a particularly active area of innovation. Germany s appeal as a seedbed for innovation relies on the depth and breadth of its research and development. Around the globe, German publications enjoy an above-average citation rate. The number of patents granted to German researchers also ranks among the highest in the world. Unfortunately, the wider public is not sufficiently aware of this fact. kompetenznetze.de hopes to bridge this gap as an authoritative guide to innovation, investment and education. Networking and regional collaboration are more essential than ever in this age of international competition between centers of innovation and geographic locations. They are essential to German industry s ability to maintain its top position in meeting the challenges of global competition. The potential certainly exists. Edelgard Bulmahn Federal Minister of Education and Research

8 6 Û Words of welcome Dr. Bernhard Hausberg / Prof. Dr. Achim Mehlhorn Words of welcome Dr. Bernhard Hausberg, Head of kompetenznetze.de Management Office Dr. Bernhard Hausberg Head of kompetenznetze.de Management Office VDI Technology Center, Düsseldorf»kompetenznetze.de 2003/2004«presents the most effective Networks of Competence in Germany to an international public, and illustrates their work through selected highlights in innovation. It documents the proposition that Germany has much to offer as an industrial and business location, that it is of direct benefit to seek cooperative partners in a country with proven capabilities in the most important strategic fields of innovation. These encompass work in biotechnology, energy technology, industrial production and technologies devoted to information science, medicine, microsystems, environmental protection, nano-scale and optical engineering. There are now 91 Networks of Competence presented on the site, each having fulfilled highly exacting selection criteria. kompetenznetze.de has meanwhile established itself as a mark of quality that has earned national and international acclaim. The number of users located outside of Germany has grown at an accelerated pace, with equal interest shown from industry, the scientific community, associations, consultants and the media. Approximately 1000 subscribers make use of the news channel, which contains a total of 5000 user profiles. Analysis of a recent on-line survey of national and international users confirms their satisfaction with the entire Internet presentation. Make use of kompetenznetze.de as a source of information, a communication tool, and as a guide that will direct you to establishing contact with cooperative partners in the spheres of innovation, investment and education. Prof. Dr. Achim Mehlhorn, Chairman of kompetenznetze.de Advisory Council Prof. Dr. Achim Mehlhorn Chairman of kompetenznetze.de Advisory Council An increasingly noticeable change is taking place in the role played by both institutes of higher education and research establishments in the innovation process. They are becoming actively involved in the development of new products and services and are taking on responsibility for their immediate location and region. They are a decisive factor in lending these a distinct profile, within a global economy characterized by international competition between individual locations to attract investment and industry. In practical terms this not only means that such educational institutes and research establishments seek closer contact to companies and markets, they also make an active contribution to strategic regional development. Networks of Competence have established themselves as integrators with respect to cooperation between research and industry, and through their support of both institutes of higher education and research establishments as they assume new responsibilities in the formulation and implementation of regional development strategies. Networks of Competence bring together the expertise of partners in research, development and industry, adding further strength to their innovative capabilities. Such networks are at the same time embedded in a supportive environment, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the visionary development of their respective location or region. Research establishments and institutes of higher education play an exceptional role in Networks of Competence, not seldom being themselves the driving force behind the formation of such networks and assuming their management and coordination. Use kompetenznetze.de to find out more about the best Networks of Competence in Germany, and to get in touch with them!

9 Û Features 7 Features Cooperating for success Every tenth researcher in Germany works in the Aachen area. Seven Networks of Competence incorporating institutes of higher learning, research facilities, startups and companies of international repute, plus a smart policy to attract industry have created an innovative environment, which produces world-class products. Û Page 8 The Home of Innovation With Networks of Competence, Jena aims to become the top innovative region. The world s researchers and business enterprises are drawn by the scientific excellence and pioneering spirit in the university city. Startups are booming and inventions causing worldwide sensations. Û Page 11 Heading for the top with experimenting spirit World-acclaimed research, dynamic enterprises and an excellently organized transfer of technology are the reasons for the rise of the Stuttgart region to Europe s leading high-tech location. Networks of Competence form the basis of the region s success. Û Page 14 First-class light Optical technologies are a discipline in which the Germans excel. Eleven Networks of Competence in all German regions bring together the know-how of science and industry in a concentrated bundle of innovation. The result: world-class products. Û Page 18

10 8 Û Features Û Aachen region Cooperating for success Viewing chamber of the Aixtron vapor phase epitaxial reactor for coating wafers Aixtron AG Networks of Competence Û support collaboration between education, science and industry Û create enduring structures for cooperation in mutual trust Û generate innovations of world standard with great growth potential Every tenth researcher in Germany works in the Aachen area. Seven Networks of Competence incorporating institutes of higher learning, research facilities, startups and companies of international repute, plus a smart policy to attract industry have created an innovative environment, which produces world-class products.

11 Û Features Û Aachen region 9 Networks of Competence in Aachen bwa Biomaterials Aachen Priv. Doz. Dr. Doris Klee Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ car e.v. Dr. Jochen Otzipka Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ Laser Technology Aachen Dipl.-Phys. Axel Bauer Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ Medical Technology Aachen Dr. Robert Farkas Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ Plastics Innovation Aachen Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ REGINA e.v. Information Technology Aachen Daria Dovern M.A. Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ SimPRO Process Simulation Aachen Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Franz Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ If you need to have your blood pressure measured over a long period of time, you can count on spending a restless night. Every 15 to 30 minutes a blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your upper arm, pumped up and deflated with a loud hiss making it impossible for you to sleep. But now, you can sleep blissfully and have your blood pressure taken at the same time. This is made possible by a 1.5mm sensor, which is inserted into an artery by way of a tiny incision in the buttocks region. There, the miniscule tube held in place by tiny extendable legs measures your blood pressure and you don t notice a thing. The idea was originated by professor of radiology Thomas Schmitz-Rode of RWTH, Aachen University of Technology, who is a member of Aachen s Competence Center for Medical Technology AKM. Electronic components were supplied by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems in Duisburg, while the sensor itself was made by Uwe Schnakenburg of the RWTH Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering. This is typical of how the Networks of Competence work, bringing together specialist know-how from different disciplines. The product is something none of the partners could have come up with by themselves. RWTH president Burkhard Rauhut takes this type of cooperation for granted:»we recognized the huge benefit of transdisciplinary approaches in research and teaching, and RWTH began promoting and institutionalizing interdisciplinary structures early on.«and as it demonstrates by its extensive involvement in more than 15 Networks of Competence in a variety of technical fields and even outside the Aachen region RWTH practices what it preaches. The approach is cultivated throughout the technology region around Aachen, which, although home to one percent of the German population, employs a proud ten percent of all researchers in the country at RWTH, Fachhochschule Aachen (the Aachen University of Applied Sciences), the Research Center in Jülich, the Institute of Plastics Processing, various private research laboratories as well as a total of three Fraunhofer Institutes. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, for instance, employing 230 people and one of the leading institutes for missionoriented research and development in its field, forms the core of the Network of Competence Laser Technology in the Aachen area. Since 1977, 860 technology-oriented companies have settled in the region, creating a total of some 25,000 new jobs and enabling Aachen to measure itself against high-tech areas in the United States such as Boston and Silicon Valley. What all three regions have in common is a strong scientific tradition from which they draw their innovative power, and an outstanding, professional training program. Thirteen technology and service centers, two of which are run by the Aachen Agency for Innovation and Technology Transfer AGIT, help young entrepreneurs start up their own companies. Since 1984, alone 255 companies have moved into the two AGIT-run centers, 168 of which were hived off from RWTH and the Fachhochschule. Many of these later settled in other parts of the region. To Jürgen Drewes, chief executive of The Chambers of Industry and Commerce, Aachen, this comes as no surprise:»startups have a future here.«cerobear GmbH in Herzogenrath is one example. If it weren t for the company s high-tech, high-performance ceramic bearings, Michael Schumacher would never be able to tear around Hockenheimring track in his Ferrari at such high speeds. His brother Ralf would drive his BMW much more sedately, too. Nearly all the Formula One bolides are equipped with Cerobear bearings, which last longer, require no grease and are considerably lighter than Cerobear bearings with ceramic rolling elements for Formula 1 racing cars Cerobear GmbH

12 10 Û Features Û Aachen region Electronic inner workings of the blood-pressure sensor which was developed at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen Surge generator for volts at Fachhochschule Aachen Fachhochschule Aachen their conventional forerunners. Joint directors Jens Wemhöner and Matthias Popp were involved in research and development at the Fraunhofer Institute of Production Technology IPT in Aachen before founding Cerobear in With over 1,000 employees, RWTH s largest spin-off is FEV Engine Technology, based in Aachen and Auburn Hills, Michigan. In 1978, Franz Pischinger, founded the company, which develops engines for the auto industry. Pischinger, an emeritus professor of RWTH, is an expert in thermodynamics: He knows everything there is to know about cutting down the consumption of thirsty combustion engines. Meta Motoren- und Energie-Technik GmbH in Herzogenrath has a staff of 130. It was founded in 1992 by three Û»In order to achieve leading positions in these days of globalization, we need to strengthen the strong. Networking and the formation of clusters are the only ways for us to keep abreast of our competitors worldwide.«prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Prof. e.h. Dr. h.c. Bullinger, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft RWTH graduates.»we develop technologies that stand for tomorrow,«says CEO Peter Heuser, one of Meta s founders, confidently. His favorite partners are the experienced researchers at the Fachhochschule. Projects include the development of combustion engines with variable compression, a technology that doubles the performance of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine to an impressive 270 HP. Meta, FEV and Cerobear are all members of the Network of Competence car e.v. Boasting over 95 members, REGINA, the Network of Competence Information Technology Aachen, is one of the largest in the region and the most successful. One of its stars is CSB-System GmbH, based in rural Geilenkirchen. Founder Peter Schimitzek, a butcher by trade and at the time director of the German Meat Association, discovered a market gap in 1977: There were no sector-specific software solutions for small to medium-sized companies. So he founded CSB, which today has a workforce of over 500 and branches in the United States, Canada and South Africa. Aixtron AG is even the international market leader in its field. The Aachenbased company produces so-called vapor phase epitaxial reactors or machines that coat wafers, which are later made into optoelectronic components such as semiconductors and diodes. With its automatic Argus eyes, Pixargus GmbH in Aachen checks freshly manufactured molded plastic components for faults. The innovative young company, one of some 70 spin-offs from the RWTH s Institute of Plastics Processing, is a member of the Network of Competence Plastics Innovation in Aachen. It is hardly commonplace for people with skilled trades to involve themselves in networks of competency of this kind except in the Aachen area. Here, under the direction of Professor Dr. Johannes Gartzen of the Fachhochschule, procedures have been developed which make it possible to inexpensively manufacture spare parts for vintage cars, parts which are very hard to obtain on the market. Modena Sport in Langenfeld, and Pieck and Recontec in Düren are only three of a number of skilled trades companies which make use of the new know-how. Innovation-oriented businesses like these are advised by technology consultants from the Chamber of Handicrafts in Aachen. On the other hand, even the powerful of this world have stood to gain from the concentrated expertise available in the technology-rich region around Aachen and the Networks of Competence that have located there. These include well-known corporations such as Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson (cell phone technology), Ford, Saint Gobain (glass), Philips, Matsushita (home entertainment), Grünenthal (pharmaceuticals), Continental (automobile tires/chassis technology), Takeda Pharma and Mitsubishi (microelectronics/memory chips). Bernd Thomas, CEO of AGIT, is hardly surprised:»our top priority is to provide intensive, individual consulting to international investors.«and what do the corporations think? Rudolf Kunze, Head of Research at the Ford Research Center in Aachen maintains that there was simply no alternative when looking for a European location in the early nineties:»aachen was first choice thanks to the excellent reputation of RWTH.«But Ford s executives were persuaded by another thing, too:»aachen s central position in Europe.«

13 Û Features Û Jena Erfurt Ilmenau region 11 The Home of Innovation With Networks of Competence, Jena aims to become the top innovative region. The world s researchers and business enterprises are drawn by the scientific excellence and pioneering spirit in the university city. Startups are booming and inventions causing worldwide sensations. Visual inspection of biochips for active-ingredients analysis CLONDIAG chip technologies GmbH It is exactly 137 years since industry and research, in the persons of astute entrepreneur Carl Zeiss and ingenious scientist Ernst Abbé, entered into a fruitful symbiosis in the city of Jena, Thuringia. Abbé developed a theory for the precise calculation of optical lenses and corresponding production techniques. From then on, Zeiss, who soon also made Abbé his business partner, was able to produce lenses for binoculars, microscopes, photographic lenses and measuring instruments. The city on the Saale rose to the status of acknowledged world center of the optical industry, a status it holds to this day. Entirely in the spirit of Zeiss and Abbé, and continuing the optical and precision engineering tradition, scientists and entrepreneurs from the regions are again planning to join forces and conquer the world this time with trendsetting equipment and techniques for use in the medical field, biotechnology, image processing and optoelectronics. Ophthalmology is one specialist focus in the Network of Competence Ophthalmo- Innovation. A group of researchers under Dietrich Schweitzer of the University Eye Hospital and Clinic of Jena s Friedrich Schiller University is making great progress with a most spectacular project. The scientists are developing an imaging technique for the early detection of age-related degeneration of the macula, the area of the retina where eyesight is keenest. For hitherto unknown reasons, the light receptors situated there die off in many Kompetenznetze.de Û is a guide to innovation, investment and education in Germany Û presents Germany s most efficient networks of competence 91 networks of competence from such diverse fields as nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials research and medical technology in outstanding innovative regions people when they grow old they become blind. This disease affects alone two million Germans. Other research projects have already

14 12 Û Features Û Jena Erfurt Ilmenau region Û» Jena is a shining example of old industrial regions being able to compete as international locations. Networks of competence are an excellent tool for optimizing cooperation between industry, science and education.«prof. Dr. h.c. Lothar Späth CEO of Jenoptik AG, Jena resulted in successful products and company startups. Imedos Gmbh in Weimar, for instance, came out of the Jena eye hospital. The company has developed a device that analyzes the behavior of blood vessels in the retina, for example when intraocular pressure alters or following medication. The results provide important pointers for the treatment of green cataracts. Ilmenau-based Eldith GmbH, which was formed in 2000, has also utilized the results of a research project to develop a much-demanded product. The device cuts to less than 10 minutes a visual-field examination that used to take up to 40 minutes. Established companies also benefit from the many ideas emanating from the authorities focused in Ophthalmo- Innovation, such as the University Eye Hospital and Clinic of the Friedrich Schiller University, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) and also the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics of the Technical University of Ilmenau. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG in Jena is one such company. It employs some 380 people, last year reported sales to the tune of 120 million euros and has often benefited from the expertise of these renowned institutions. The results: a laser that can even correct extreme sight deficiencies in seconds by removing the corneal layer, and a scalpel whose tip produces microscopically small plasma that enables the surgeon to cut out diseased tissue at the back of the eye.»the contacts initiated and cultivated through the Network of Competence permit highly efficacious collaboration,«says Meditec boss Ulrich Kraus. OphthalmoInnovation coordinator Volker Wiechmann sees the unbroken chain of competence from basic research to clinical testing as an all-important advantage.»development and licensing procedures are so very expensive that no enterprise or institute could afford to finance them alone.«the Network of Competence BioInstruments Jena also makes use of the close links between research, development, production and application to build up and expand biotechnology companies. Sales of diagnostic test systems are growing annually by 20 percent and, according to market analysts, will reach a volume of 40 billion dollars worldwide by With their new products, the newcomers from Jena are boldly claiming a space between the established high-tech giants. The laser microscope developed by biophysicist Karsten König, a scientist at the Friedrich Schiller University Detailed panorama image of eye fundus Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

15 Û Features Û Jena Erfurt Ilmenau region 13 Clinic and cofounder of JenLab GmbH, caused an international sensation. The ultrashort rays of the device penetrate healthy tissue without damaging it. The defective element of a gene that has triggered cancer can be put out of action through a fine incision one eleven-millionth of a centimeter long.»this is economic location with an image campaign entitled»welcome to the think tank.«the Networks of Competence Image Processing Thuringia and OptoNet Jena also contribute to this success. For the future, the high-tech producers will be relying on Jena s unique conditions. The city of 100,000, Meanwhile, the reputation of both university and institutes acts as a magnet to industry. Hence, in 1997, the Chicagobased biotech corporation Integrated Genomics Inc. chose Jena as its site for European expansion.»because of the immense potential for synergy,«explains Thomas Wagner, CEO of the German subsidiary. The Darmstadt pharmaceuticals group Merck is also planning to build a factory for producing novel agents to fight cancer. The Networks of Competence see themselves as an engine driving progress. They act as a central contact point, collate knowledge, ensure transparency, check out business plans, advise and organize venture capital.»they provide fast and unbureaucratic help and that s a great thing,«says one company founder. Networks of Competence in Jena-Erfurt-Ilmenau BioInstruments Jena Dr.-Ing. Jens Kobow Tel.: +49 (0) / Precision device for the exact, no-contact measurement of axis length, corneal radii and anterior chamber depth of the eye Carl Zeiss Meditec AG truly sensational,«says an enthusiastic Merle Fuchs, head of BioRegio Jena e.v., the organization supporting the Network of Competence BioInstruments. Other innovations coming out of Jena have caused an almost equal stir. The New Market listing CyBio developed a technology platform which tests promising active substances for new drugs. This lab operation performs up to 300,000 analyses daily. Clondiag, pronounced like the famous goldrush town, Klondyke, in the west of the United States, is a successful producer of DNA chips that sound out defects in the human genetic makeup. The focused innovation offensive is bearing fruit. Thanks to the Networks of Competence, the technological triangle Jena-Erfurt-Ilmenau is currently establishing itself as a top international technology stronghold. Already, nearly 50 percent of all products sell on the international market.»thuringia, and Jena in particular, have become attractive industry locations thanks to the formation of competitive clusters,«sums up Franz Schuster, Thuringia s economics, labour and infrastructure minister,»and that has prompted us to position the of whom 18,000 are students, boasts the highest number of academics per head of population in Germany. Here, top institutions such as the Fraunhofer IOF, the Max Planck Institutes for Biogeochemistry and Chemical Ecology work right next door to dynamic startups and seats of learning. Short distances help speed up implementation enormously.»everyone knows everyone else, and in bars, you hear less talk about soccer than about international markets,«says Fuchs, describing the innovative spirit here.»in Jena, research is not fading away in its ivory tower, but constantly on the lookout for new ways to make practical use of innovations,«comments Lothar Späth. The former prime minister of Baden-Württemberg was responsible, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, for turning state-run Carl Zeiss Jena into the private technology group Jenoptik, today the city s biggest employer. By breathing new life into the region s industry, Späth gave it back what it had lost in the years following the demise of the eastern bloc: self-confidence, ambition and joy in technical experimentation. OphthalmoInnovation Thüringen Dipl.-Ing. Volker Wiechmann Tel.: +49 (0) / Image Processing Thuringia Dr.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Franke Tel.: +49 (0) / OptoNet e.v. Dr. Klaus Schindler Tel.: +49 (0) 361/ Chromosome section removed by means of a tightly focused laser beam Jenlab GmbH

16 14 Û Features Û Stuttgart region Heading for the top with experimenting spirit Human cells being processed on an isolator under sterile conditions Tissue Engineering Technologies AG World-acclaimed research, dynamic enterprises and an excellently organized transfer of technology are the reasons for the rise of the Stuttgart region to Europe s leading high-tech location. Networks of Competence form the basis of the region s success. Labeled tumor cells in a cell culture Migragen AG Top-class automobiles and Stuttgart: The two are inextricably bound together. The sedans, transporters and convertibles of the billion-dollar DaimlerChrysler group are among the most coveted cars in the world. The same applies to the sport and all-terrain vehicles from Porsche, another company of tradition with its roots in the Baden-Württemberg capital. However, the ingenious Swabian carmakers do not see their great reputation as a reason to rest on their laurels.»should there be anything better, we ought to be the first to invent it,«is the philosophy with which they hold onto their top slot. The fuel cell is just such a challenge. It generates electricity from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen and is seen as the motive power of the future, capable of replacing gasoline and diesel. In the ideal case, the only thing to come out of the tailpipe is water. DaimlerChrysler is aiming for technological leadership in the face of tough competition from Ford, General Motors/Opel, Honda and Toyota.

17 Û Features Û Stuttgart region 15 Camcorder with integrated fuel-cell energy supply Fraunhofer ISE Success Factors of Networks of Competence Û Presence of developers, users and research institutions of international reputation Û Tradition of successful collaboration between research and industry Û»Setup climate«û No over-narrow field-related or regional limitation Û Establishment of interfaces between research and industry Û Experienced network management The Swabians would not be Swabians if they did not exploit the new technology in all fields. In next to no time, they set up, in May 2001, the Network of Competence BZI-Fuel Cell Research Alliance Baden-Württemberg. This is an amalgamation of the Fuel Cell Research Alliance Û»Universities and other institutions of higher education are attractive partners for national trade and industry. Institutions of higher education are a stimulating factor in the international contest to attract industrial settlement.«prof. Dr. Peter Frankenberg, Minister for Science, Research and the Arts in the State of Baden-Württemberg Baden-Württemberg and the Center of Competence and Innovation for Fuel Cell Technology for the Stuttgart Region, within which they united not only companies such as DaimlerChrysler and EnBW, but also the crème de la crème of research: institutes of the universities of Stuttgart, Ulm and Karlsruhe, as well as Fraunhofer and Max Planck institutes, and also the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) in Ulm. The Network of Competence bundles and coordinates the activities of science and industry.»this provides us with punch and enables us to impact the market fast,«emphasizes network coordinator Werner Lehnert. The first products and prototypes are already leaving the laboratories. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, in collaboration with the South Korean group LG and CETI Clean Energy Technologies Inc., has come up with a fuel cell that fits into a portable computer. The hydrogen comes out of three small, exchangeable tanks, where it is stored in metal powder. The development of larger, transportable fuel cells has also progressed well. The Powerbag S developed at ZSW provides camping iceboxes, electrical tools, electric scooters and electric boats with energy. Toymaker Graupner uses it in model cars and ships. The fuel-cell battery of the Stuttgart Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, which belongs to the German Aerospace Center, performs similar services. Small generators that very efficiently convert the hydrogen in natural gas into heat and energy and can therefore supply all the power needed by private homes and condominiums is a third focus. A functional prototype powered by natural gas is, for example, under development by ZSW Ulm in collaboration with the Renningen-based company WS-Wärmeprozesstechnik. All this know-how is attractive. In Kirchheim, near Stuttgart, the Canadian firm Ballard Power Systems, the market leader in fuel cells for automobiles, employs 400 people, most of them developers and engineers. In order to promote rapid market penetration, the Ulm Fuel Cell Education Center has been integrated into the Network of Competence. The center teaches mechanics how to use the new technology.»the chain has to be complete,«says Lehnert. In the Stuttgart region, where a total of eight Networks of Competence are in place, this approach falls on particularly fertile soil. Here there are all the things that set top locations apart from the average: excellently equipped public and private research institutions of world repute; an effective mix of small, mid-sized and large companies that greedily seize on everything the researchers come up with. Apart from the carmakers, these companies include the electronics giant Bosch, computer groups IBM and Hewlett-Packard, and Stiehl, the world s biggest producer of motor saws.»while industry, politics and state agencies each toil away on their own account elsewhere, in Stuttgart they work closely together,«praises Gustav Greve, head of the renowned Basle-based firm Prognos AG.»People know each other here, trust each other, and have a common goal, namely cut the chit-chat and get down to work.«according to an EU survey, these dynamics have made the region, with its population of 2.6 million, the leading high-tech location in Europe. Twentyone percent of the wage earners here work in this sector, more than anywhere else. No one files more patents and no one sells more cars and machines on the international market.

18 16 Û Features Û Stuttgart region Prototype fuel-cell vehicle Neckar from DaimlerChrysler DaimlerChrysler AG Networks of Competence in Stuttgart Biomaterials Stuttgart-Tübingen Dr.-Ing. Martin Dauner Tel.: +49 (0) 711/ BZI Fuel Cell Research Alliance Baden-Württemberg Dr. Werner Lehnert Tel.: +49 (0) 711/ Laser Technology South West Dipl.-Ing. Friedemann Lichtner Tel.: +49 (0) 711/ Mechatronics Göppingen e.v. Dipl.-Ing. Hans Strauss Tel.: +49 (0) / Photonics BW e.v. Dr. Andreas Ehrhardt Tel.: +49 (0) / Pro3 Process Technology Dipl.-Ing. Natalia Hinrichs-Tontrup Tel.: +49 (0) 711/ ReFuelNet Renewable Fuels Network Dipl.-Ing. Daniel West Tel.: +49 (0) 711 / Regeneration Biology Markus Siehr Tel.: +49 (0) 711/ The industry promoters are currently setting their sights on a totally new line of business for which market researchers forecast fantastic growth rates: the regeneration and replacement of damaged body parts and organs. The Network of Competence Regeneration Biology, organized under BioRegio STERN the acronym comes from the initials of the cities and regions involved: Stuttgart, Tübingen, Esslingen, Reutlingen and Neckar-Alb takes things one step further. The scientists want to perfect the nutrients which supply organs and tissue; the motto: regenerative nutrition physiology. This includes the development and provision of plants capable of optimally supplying the micronutrients (phytoregeneration).»the concept is unique,«stresses Markus Siehr, head of BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. STERN not only takes care of speedy marketing, the company also acts as a central contact point, a kind of one-stop shop where companies interested in setting up in any of the regions can access information, just like those companies already located there. STERN provides an excellent example of one key characteristic of Networks of Competence: cooperation between different scientific disciplines in this case, medicine, process technology, sensor technology, nutrition science, biochemical analysis and bioinformation technology with the aim of realizing totally new solutions. Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, manager of the Genetics Department of the Max Planck Institute of Developmental Biology in Tübingen herself personifies the productive symbiosis of knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1995, she received the Nobel Prize for Medicine for her research on embryo development from a fertilized egg cell. Two years later, she founded Artemis Pharmaceuticals, which utilizes her findings to develop healing agents for a wide range of ailments. The company meanwhile employs 40 people. New biotech companies are also emerging in rapid succession from other research projects over 30 in the past seven years. They provide a good 1000 qualified jobs. A case in point is Tetec Tissue Engineering Technologies GmbH in Reutlingen, a spin-off from the Natural and Medical Science Institute at Tübingen University. The company develops substitute cartilage and bone for use in humans and is currently testing an implantable retina prosthesis. Coordinator Siehr is in no doubt at all that the Network of Competence Regeneration Biology will make it to the very top worldwide.»no one links valueadded chains and interconnects existing areas of competence with new ones as efficiently as we do,«he enlarges, optimistically.

19 DCC/ENG Your car will be watching the road even if you re not. We can t stop your mind wandering when you re on the road. Instead, we are working on ways to help prevent your car wandering too. We re also developing the electronic eye, which is designed to recognise obstacles in the road. And bring your car to a halt if necessary. Now do we have your attention? Find out more about the Vision of Accident-free Driving at Mercedes-Benz manufactured by DaimlerChrysler AG, Chrysler, and Dodge manufactured by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Freightliner manufactured by Freightliner LLC.

20 18 Û Features Û Optical technologies Titanium implant produced from metal powder with the aid of a laser Fraunhofer ILT First-class light Optical technologies are a discipline in which the Germans excel. Eleven Networks of Competence in all German regions bring together the know-how of science and industry in a concentrated bundle of innovation. The result: world-class products. Bundles of highly flexible optical waveguides for use in areas of application exposed to extreme mechanical stress SCHOTT Glas Buying a new automobile today, you are hardly likely to guess just how great a role light has played in its production, from the first metal sheet down to its impressive presentation at the showroom. Light is not just used for lighting. Focused in laser beams, it is directly involved in the shaping process and can cut and weld steel parts. The benefits over conventional methods are that lasers are very easy to control, function precisely and without contact and enable companies to cut production costs and save time, thereby gaining competitive edge. No wonder development work is in full swing on even more effective lasers for materials processing. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen is particularly proud of one bundle of energy the researchers have developed in collaboration with the world market leader for laser-processing systems, Trumpf AG, in Ditzingen near Stuttgart. The largest laser it produces boasts an output power of up to 40 kilowatts. The Aachen team is also working hand in hand with Rofin-Sinar Laser GmbH in Hamburg, another leading laser maker, to develop diode-pumped Neodym-YAG lasers with an output power of up to five kilowatts.»these systems will take the laser market by storm in the next few years,«says Axel Bauer of the Fraunhofer ILT.

21 Û Features Û Optical technologies 19 The two laser companies set up development groups in Aachen to develop these top devices with the help of the ILT experts. This is a typical situation: Researchers from institutions and industry collaborate within a Network of Competence to come up with a worldclass product. Scientific and industrial know-how dovetail within the framework of a»public-private partnership.«as a result, the partners jointly develop innovations they could not have brought to market maturity on their own. Optical technologies are a discipline in which the Germans excel and in which they not only have a long tradition, but also look forward to a prosperous future.»today, photonics is the number 1 innovation driver,«says VDI president, Professor Hubertus Christ. Worldwide sales of optical technologies currently total some 80 billion dollars. By 2013, the figure is expected to reach 500 billion dollars. And Germany is up front in the field: German laser producers hold a 40% share of the world market for laserbeam sources for use in industrial production. To ensure that the Germans continue as key players, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will be putting 280 million euros behind the development of such technologies until At the most recent congress on optical technologies, held last February in Berlin, Wolfgang Clement, Germany s Û»The networking of scientific and industrial knowhow within the Networks of Competence for optical technologies is of great significance to Germany. It results in world-class products.«prof. Dr.-Ing. Hubertus Christ President of the VDI economics minister, and Edelgard Bulmahn, the country s research minister, agreed that»light will decisively shape technological progress in the 21 st century. German industry has excellent chances of being among the pace-setters, here.«altogether, there are eleven Networks of Competence for optical technologies scattered around Germany, making sure that the innovative engine doesn t splutter. Seven of them have won the OptecNet contest»kompetenznetze Optische Technologien«and receive Solid-state laser with an output power of several kilowatts Trumpf GmbH direct funding from the BMBF. This means that the ministry not only finances research, but also the structures which ultimately implement the resulting innovations. The aim is to create incentives for a self-supporting style of work. After getting a good push-off, the wagon should be rolling by itself in four years at the latest. There are numerous examples of how collaboration within the Networks of Competence bears fruit. Take the development of light sources for extreme ultraviolet light (EUV), for example. In the near future, this will be needed for the photolithographic production of computer chips, whose efficiency doubles every 18 months. Today s light sources are not powerful enough to produce such filigree strip conductors. Scientists at the Aachen ILT have already developed an EUV gas-discharge lamp and a laser that stimulates plasma. The Aachen team is now continuing to work with Philips on the gas-discharge lamp, in a newly formed company, Philips Extreme UV GmbH. And there s more: Jenoptik, the opticals giant based in Jena, Thuringia, has taken up the Aachen know-how concerning EUV via laser and is now working with Lambda Physik, the Göttingen-based world market leader in UV lasers, to perfect it for serial production. To this end, the two companies formed Xtreme Technologies GmbH. The people involved belong to the Network of Competence OptoNet Jena, to which the Jena subsidiary of Leica Microsystems from Wetzlar also contributes. The optical specialist has developed a unique lens for deep ultraviolet light. Its spectrum lies below that of extreme UV light. It is used in quality-assurance procedures in the production of present-day memory chips. Thanks to the networking of suitable partners, optical technologies radiate into areas that seem to be wholly unconnected. Thus, solutions at the interface of different technologies become possible, in ecology and agriculture, say. Researchers from the German Aerospace Center, Technical University of Munich and the Bavarian operation Georg Fritzmeier GmbH, whose products include agricultural machinery, have, for instance, developed a system to ensure optimal fertilization. A laser beam scans the field ahead of the tractor. The color of the reflected light depends on the chlorophyll content of the plants and that is the measure for the plant s fertilizer requirement. The tractor s board computer ensures that every inch of the field receives the precise amount of extra nourishment necessary. This prevents overfertilizing and thus protects ground and surface water. Everyone involved in the project works within the Network of Competence Bayern Photonics. In the medical field, too, the Networks of Competence in optical technologies also provide a fertile breeding ground.

22 20 Û Features Û Optical technologies Networks of Competence in optical technologies Bayern Photonics Dr. Horst Sickinger Tel.: +49 (0) / Image Processing Thuringia Dr.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Franke Tel.: +49 (0) / Laser-welding of tailored blanks of various size and material composition Trumpf GmbH Within Lower Saxony s PhotonicNet, a laser system was devised that banishes the risk of nerve damage during tumor operations, which frequently causes paralysis. Partners here are Zeiss, the German subsidiary of the American neurodiagnostics specialist Nicolet Biomedical, and also the Laser Center and University of Applied Science in Hanover. The partners developed an Erbium:YAG laser which removes the tumor but goes easy on the surrounding nerves as the heat it develops is minimal. In addition, the laser switches off immediately the signals indicate pain in the nerves close by. International cooperations have already paid off, too. Toptica Photonik AG in Martinsried near Munich, a member of the Network of Competence Bayern Photonics, found its partner in Tel Aviv, Israel. The researchers at the medical technology company Vital Medical in Tel Aviv had developed a method of gauging the vitality of human cells without harming them a great boon in intensive care units, for example. They substituted their extremely expensive, large and cumbersome UV laser for a low-cost, handy semiconductor laser. However, its performance proved erratic.»we solved the problem with sophisticated electronics,«explains Toptica scientist Anselm Deninger. Three prototypes are presently on trial at hospitals in Israel.»In order to remain in the forefront of development, we need a concerted effort from industry, politics and science,«says VDI president Christ. The Networks of Competence are prime examples of how synergies arising from cooperation between different partners can be used to create innovations. Thanks to them, Germany has a great chance of maintaining its leading role in the field of optical technology. Laser Technology Aachen Dipl.-Phys. Axel Bauer Tel.: +49 (0) 241/ Laser Technology Region Nuremberg Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Hoachim Krauß Tel.: +49 (0) / Laser Technology South West Dipl.-Ing. Friedemann Lichtner Tel.: +49 (0) 711/ OpTecBB OpTec-Berlin- Brandenburg e.v. Dr. Bernd Weidner Tel.: +49 (0) 30 / OpTech-Net e.v. Dipl.-Ing. Dirk Kalinowski Tel.: +49 (0) 203/ Optence e.v. André Noak Tel.: +49 (0) / California Silicon Valley Silicon Alley Scotland Stockholm Helsinki Cambridge Jena Aachen Munich Stuttgart Sophia Antipolis Israel Bangalore Singapur OptoNet e.v. Dr. Klaus Schindler Tel.: +49 (0) 361/ PhotonicNet Dr. Hans-Jürgen Hartmann Tel.: +49 (0) 511/ Networks of Competence for internationally leading clusters Photonics Baden-Württemberg e.v. Dr. Andreas Ehrhardt Tel.: +49 (0) /

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24 22 Û Fields of Innovation Û Aerospace Technology DLR

25 Û Fields of Innovation Û Aerospace Technology 23 Aerospace Technology Hamburg Aviation Cluster Hamburg Future aircraft configuration concept Airbus Industries Aerospace technologies are essential to today s global society, its reliance on information and mobility. The technological performance of the aerospace industry is characterized by top-flight industrial and scientific research. To help industry keep pace with global competition, aerospace research is expected to provide new technological solutions to deal with traffic growth, the environment, resource conservation, safety and passenger comfort, cost-effectiveness and added value, airport capacity and airspace utilization. Climate change, global mobility, traffic control, new resource exploration, weather forecasting and disaster relief need globally deployed instruments operating from space-based platforms. Aerospace technology often serves as the enabler or first link in the value chain, and as a trailblazer for other branches of industry. German aerospace plays an active part in European and international collaborative ventures, and exported 63.4% of its production in The birth of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) in July 2000 was an important first step towards the creation of an integrated European aerospace industry. Industry, research and science are closely linked through education and research. Ties between industrial companies and academic institutions are being strengthened in order to meet the demand for a qualified workforce. Europeanization requires the creation of European courses of study. The Networks of Competence: Aerospace Technology Û Aviation Cluster Hamburg Û Page 24

26 24 Û Fields of Innovation Û Aerospace Technology Û Aviation Cluster Hamburg New dimensions in aviation technology Hamburg The place for aviation Aviation Cluster Hamburg Vision for the 21 st century»aviation Cluster Hamburg«is engaged in the development, manufacture, equipment, maintenance and world wide support of civil passenger and cargo aircraft across a range of leading technologies with broad-based applications. Aviation is a major sector of industry in Northern Germany. Centered around Airbus Deutschland GmbH (Airbus), Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT) and Flughafen Hamburg GmbH (Hamburg Airport), a regional network of some 300 small and medium-sized suppliers utilize the growth prospects provided by major companies in the area to successfully offer aviation industry products and aviation-related services worldwide. The Technical University Hamburg- Harburg (TU HH), the University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), the University of the Armed Forces and the Technology Center Hamburg- Finkenwerder (THF) form a highperformance aviation-related knowledge, training and research infrastructure which is supplemented by additional facilities in the private sector. Cooperation in the THF between the major industrial partner Airbus and TU HH extends beyond aircraft systems technology to work in fields such as materials and construction technology as well as development and manufacturing technology. The close links with Airbus, combined with intensive testing activities, promote application-oriented research at TU HH on the one hand and the direct implementation of innovation, particularly in the aircraft industry, on the other hand. The THF model is a recognized best practice example of public-private-partnership in the research sector. Hamburg is Germany s leading center for basic and advanced training in the aviation industry. Partial certification in accordance with European aviation standards can be obtained during vocational training. Companies and the government-run vocational school are licensed under JAR. The work conducted under the»qualification Programme Offensive«was thus not surprisingly cited as an example of best practice in the EU s Star 21 Report (Strategic Aerospace Review for the 21 st Century). The cooperation between business, research, institutions, associations and public authorities is documented for example at the Aircraft Interiors Expo trade fair (cabin systems), the MRO- Europe Congress (maintenance, repair, overhaul) and the Hamburg Aviation Conference. Û Qualification Programme offensive Andreas Richter Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg State Ministry of Economic and Labour Affairs - Industry Unit - Tel.: +49 (0) 40 / Fax: +49 (0) 40 / On-board internet installation Pursuing a win-win strategy, partners in the»qualification Programme Offensive«develop new organizational models for university education and further training in cooperation with business enterprises, in particular small and medium-sized firms. The partners form a link between theory and practice, develop the region s creative potential, nurture enthusiasm for technological developments in a communicative process and align qualifications to European quality standards.

27 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biomaterials 25 Biomaterials Aachen bwa Biomaterials Aachen Chrondrocyte on resorbable fibres ( ITV Denkendorf) Stuttgart Biomaterials Stuttgart-Tübingen Lake Constance Upper Swabia Ulm KfB Ulm Biomaterials For a long time, implants were made from materials originally developed for engineering applications. But advancing the technology of reconstruction or replacement of damaged organs or other body parts requires custommade materials, new designs and optimized surfaces. The development of such materials is only possible through years of interdisciplinary cooperation between chemists, biologists, engineers and medical professionals. These collaborative ventures have been permanently established within competence networks. Successful programs resulting from these efforts include advances in the area of resorbable materials, bioactive implant surface materials, and tissue engineering, which involves using synthetic materials as a frame for reconstructing the body s own tissue. The development of new, improved implants gives the area of biomaterials research direct access to the existing market. New markets are also emerging which dissolve distinctions between medical products and drugs. Biomaterials research is offered as a course of study at technical colleges and universities. The courses are often annexed to degree courses in the engineering sciences as well as medicine, biology and chemistry. Advanced training courses and continuing education courses are also offered. The Networks of Competence: Biotmaterials Û Biomaterials Stuttgart- Û Page 26 Tübingen Û bwa Biomaterials Aachen Û Page 27 Û KfB Ulm Biomaterials Û Page 28

28 26 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biomaterials Û Biomaterials Stuttgart-Tübingen Biomaterials Stuttgart-Tübingen Suprathel a new elastic membrane for treatment of split skin and second-degree burns Cell compartment for an extracorporal biohybrid liver device with nonwoven scaffold, oxygenator membranes and supporting structure German Center for Biomaterials and Organ Replacement Stuttgart-Tübingen c/o Institute for Textile and Process Engineering Dr.-Ing. Martin Dauner Köschtalstrasse 26 D Denkendorf Tel.: +49 (0) 711 / Fax: +49 (0) 711 / The German Center for Biomaterials and Organ Replacement pools the expertise and potential of the scientific and clinical institutes run by the universities of Stuttgart, Tuebingen and Ulm, in order to develop new and improved materials for implants and structures for organ replacement in soft tissue as well as in bone contact. To this end, a permanent infrastructure has been established which offers small and mediumsized companies the opportunity to carry out pre-competition developments in cooperation with the working groups involved. The center exclusively and directly pursues non-profit objectives. Its aim is to strengthen the transfer of research and technology in biomaterials and organ replacement, whereby the aim is to promote close interdisciplinary research at the universities, non-university research institutes and hospitals, also in cooperation with industrial companies. These efforts are directed primarily at the following: Û a joint approach to material and implant research and Û targeted pre-competition development of medical products Û ranging from polymer synthesis, prototype production in a cleanroom environment, Û in-vitro testing, biomechanical studies and simulation Û to animal and clinical testing of implants, Û in accordance with medical product law and the EN and ISO standards. Further goals are to Û support scientific and clinical establishments in obtaining and organizing third-party funding, Û advance the skills and qualifications of research center personnel, Û conduct and supervise network projects, Û develop and manufacture special products on a non-commercial basis, Û assist members on issues connected with MPG/AMG regulations, Û organize scientific conferences. The network partners are also available for performing tasks in the following areas: Û extensive analysis and testing laboratories for tasks connected with development work, batch testing, and approval testing in accordance with medical product regulations Û design and development planning Û polymer synthesis and processing Û surface modification (plasma, wet analysis, biochemistry) Û implants and instruments: development/manufacture Û simulators and functional tests Û cleaning and sterilization processes Û pharmacological studies Û tissue engineering Û testing (biomechanical, physicochemical, biological, histological) Û in-vivo animal studies Û clinical studies Apparatus for complex movement simulation of a human knee joint

29 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biomaterials Û bwa Biomaterials Aachen 27 bwa Biomaterials Aachen The Center of Competence for Biomaterials Research was established at RWTH Aachen. It is an interdisciplinary project involving nine research institutions from the faculties of mathematics, computer science and natural sciences, mechanical engineering, mining, metallurgic engineering and geosciences, and medicine. In collaboration with industry, the center develops bespoke implants using soft and partially hard tissue contact, performing a unique combination of activities: basic research and materials development, as well as applicationoriented processing. Under»MaTech«, a program sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research with support from the Ministry of Science and Research of North Rhine-Westphalia, the following core skills have emerged over a period of almost five years: Û development of new polymers with controllable resorbability Û optimization of the interfacial compatibility of biomaterials through bespoke surface modifications Û development of defined active agent release systems Û tissue engineering Û bespoke textile structures for implants Û testing of biomaterial and implant properties Û investigations of biocompatibility The aim of the bwa is to secure the added value of scientific research results achieved throughout the period of support. The research group is currently being converted as a spin-off into an independent legal entity and is being restructured accordingly. In its new form, the bwa will pool core skills in the development of new biomaterials and their applications, employing entrepreneurial practices to rapidly implement research projects and product developments. The bwa can call on optimum resources in offering its services and developing new core skills in the field of biomaterials research through its integration in the network of other competence centers (AKM, IZKF»BIOMAT«), its placement amongst a host of research centers at RWTH Aachen and the university clinic, non-university research centers, and numerous medical engineering companies in the Aachen region. Û SILC wound dressing (A) (B) SILC is a wound dressing for skin graft donor sites and partial-thickness burns, recently developed by a group of scientists at RWTH Aachen. Consisting of a modified silk cloth, this wound dressing is highly elastic and can be used for both small and extensive wound areas (A). This can be of direct benefit to patients suffering from severe burns with limited donor sites. The dressing remains on the wound until complete reepithelisation is obtained (B). Aachen Center of Competence (bwa) University of Technology Aachen Department of Textile Chemistry and Macromoleculare Chemistry Priv.-Doz. Dr. Doris Klee Veltmanplatz 8 D Aachen Tel.: +49 (0) 241 / Fax: +49 (0) 241 /

30 28 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biomaterials Û KfB Ulm Biomaterials From basic research to the approval of new implants KfB Ulm Biomaterials Every year about 200,000 joint prostheses and 300,000 temporary implants are needed in Germany alone. Complications with implants result in costs amounting to billions of Euros. The development of improved implants is therefore of essential importance to patient healthcare and in reducing relevant costs. Further potential for bringing down costs derives from resorbable implants. They obviate the need for a second operation to remove the temporary implant because they disintegrate after having performed their task. The Competence Center for Biomaterials in Bone Contact, based in Ulm, combines 13 departments of the city s university and university hospital. The interdisciplinary composition of the research group comprising doctors, experimental surgeons, pathologists, biologists, chemists, biomechanics and engineers, combined with the partners specific areas of expertise, ensures the successful discharge of research projects. The Ulm competence center is the only one of four centers established in 1996 which is devoted especially to implant materials in bone contact. It is equipped to meet all the requirements for biomaterial research and the development of new implants. From the development and modification of biomaterials, basic research on biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, as well as functional tests and clinical trials, all stages of development can be performed through to the approval of new implants. In detail, the Competence Center provides the following services also for non-members: Û material testing (including accredited testing); Û functional testing of implants and implant materials; Û biomechanical functional tests; Û chemical and structural material analysis; Û histology; Û clinical studies; Û in-vitro degradation testing of resorbable polymers (accredited testing); Û biochemical and cellular-biological studies; Û cell culture (including accredited testing). Prof. Dr. Lutz Claes Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics University Hospital Ulm Helmholtzstrasse 14 D Ulm Tel.: +49 (0) 7 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 7 31 /

32 30 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioChip Technologies BioChip Technologies High-troughput production system for microarrays (HSG-IMIT, IMTEK and Genescan AG) CellShip; Array for screening of cell function (NMI) Through the BioChip Technologies network, companies, institutes, universities and research institutions employ their different strengths in the fields of laboratory equipment, microelectronics, fine mechanical engineering, microengineering, biotechnology and medicine to cooperate on the development and implementation of process engineering techniques, as well as on the manufacture of equipment and products for the biochip market. The work of the partners extends across the entire commercial value-chain, as is exemplified by the production of chips and the manufacture of detection systems, through to development of relevant applications. The network aims to integrate the different strengths of the participating companies and institutions and thereby further the continuous growth of its international reputation. Partners are supported in their activities by the BioChipNet database (http://www.biochipnet.de). This database provides them as well as interested parties from industry, the academic community and the financial world with rapid up-to-date access to information on developments arising in this fast growing market. At present, the database contains information on over 400 companies and institutions active in the global marketplace, with special reference being made to products related to microarray technology, ongoing cooperative projects, meetings and patents. The work of the network has resulted in the development of a number of promising systems, system components and services, some of these being either in the prototype phase or already successfully launched on the market. In many cases these products represent genuine milestones in their respective technologies. Those being presented at various trade fairs and conferences include the»topspot«arrayer developed by HSG- IMIT, IMTEK and GeneScan, or Tecan s»ultra Evolution«system, a multifunctional detection platform with fluorescence lifetime-measurement capabilities. The latter company has also developed the LabCD-ADMET System, a breakthrough in microfluid technology devoted to miniaturized drug discovery assays. And the Fraunhofer IPM takes credit for the BCD 401 biochip reader, which reads microarrays using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence techniques. In addition, interesting new applications involving protein and cell chips have been developed which extend far beyond classical applications in gene expression and mutation analyses. These new applications can also be employed in proteome and functional analyses. It is particularly in these novel fields that high-density microarrays can lead to the introduction of new applications, despite the extremely difficult situation with regards to patents. NMI Natural and Medical Science Institute at the University of Tuebingen Dr. Hugo Hämmerle Markwiesenstrasse 55 D Reutlingen Tel.: +49 (0) 7121 / Fax: +49 (0) 7121 / Û Tecan HS 400 Hybridization Station This compact easy-to-use system provides a solution for low to medium throughput microarray processing with up to 4 slides per run. The slide holder is compatible to downstream instruments of the LS Scanner series and therefore avoids any manual transport of the slides. Thanks to its optimal performance specification, the HS 400 offers researchers a perfect tool in modern functional genomic studies.

33 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û Bio-Gen-Tec-NRW 31 From a mining region to a center of technology Biotechnology in North Rhine-Westfalia Founded in 1994, Bio-Gen-Tec-NRW is committed to the sustained and responsible promotion of biotechnology and genetic engineering in the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia. As an initiative of the regional government, Bio-Gen- Tec-NRW is a central port of call for consulting and coordination in its field, acting as the driving force behind cooperation between basic research and commercial application. Our key assignments comprise business promotion and public relations. More than 130 biotech companies currently operate in North Rhine- Westphalia. Bio-Gen-Tec-NRW has provided support for no fewer than 95 new business start-ups since Overall investment amounts up to 380 million and one-third of this investment volume comes from public funding. Many of these companies are located in specialist business parks and technology centers, which offer a fertile environment for innovative start-up enterprises. The Rhineland, in particular the urban areas of Cologne, Duesseldorf, Leverkusen, Bonn, Aachen und Juelich, ranks as the core biotechnology region in North Rhine-Westphalia. The companies clustered around Cologne and Duesseldorf have acquired outstanding skills in the fields of diagnostics, molecular medicine, biochip technology, non-viral gene transfer, tissue engineering and stem cell therapy. The Aachen/ Juelich region augments this spectrum and boasts special strengths in the area of bioprocess engineering. The Rhineland biotech region is now known as BioRiver. The Rhineland s technology centers, which have joined forces as BioRiver Parks, provide start-ups with access to premises covering over 200,000 m 2, of which over 70,000 m 2 is laboratory space. Young companies such as amaxa, Biofrontera, Cardion, chemagen, DASGIP, memorec, PAION and Verigen are prime examples of growth and innovation, and underline the broad scope of the biotech sector s development in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany s most densely populated region. The majority of the biotech companies located in the East Ruhr operate in the area of bioprocess engineering and microstructure technology. The key skills in the Muensterland region comprise nanotechnology, analytics and molecular medicine. The Ostwestfalen-Lippe region is forging ahead with the commercial application of biotechnology. This region has special strengths in the area of bioinformatics. North Rhine-Westphalia s universities play a central role in nurturing biotechnology in the region. Outstanding scientific ideas have led to several interesting business models. Seven of the twelve largest German universities are located in NRW, including RWTH Aachen, Bochum University, Bonn University, Duesseldorf University, Cologne University and Muenster University. The research centers of these major international players cooperate closely with biotechnology start-ups in NRW. Such collaboration makes good economic sense. The outsourcing of research projects and the buying in of platform technologies helps to minimize both costs and entrepreneurial risks. This network aims to Û create and develop a cohesive infrastructure for biotech enterprises within the region and to significantly enhance all phases of knowledge transfer in the areas of biotechnology and genetic engineering; Û support and advise (via Bio-Gen-Tec- NRW) those who are interested in setting up their own businesses, thereby encouraging the creation of new enterprises; Û provide quality assurance services and arrange sound follow-up finance for existing companies. Source: Bayer AG Bio-Gen-Tec-NRW Bio-Gen-Tec-NRW e.v. Mr. Hartmut Thomas Nattermannallee 1 D Köln Tel.: +49 (0) 2 21 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 21 /

34 32 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioHyTec Biohybrid Technologies Brandenburg-Berlin Biohybrid Technologies Network New prospects for analysis and diagnosis in medicine and nutrition using biochips BioHyTec Biohybrid Technologies Harald Hirsch BioHyTec e.v. InnoRegio-Geschäftsstelle c/o Universität Potsdam Institut für Biochemie und Biologie Postfach D Potsdam Tel.: +49 (0) 3 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 3 31 / Biohybrid technologies are a promising and expanding new field of modern biotechnology. They combine expertise in biosensor development, nanotechnology and microelectronic chip design. As highly innovative products, biochips open up entirely new business opportunities through their integration of biological and microelectronic systems. Biochips and microarrays are sure to revolutionize high-throughput multiparametric protein and DNA/RNA analysis. Through the binding of specific oligonucleotides or antibody-like aptamer molecules, complete labs can be functionalized on a single chip, which can be designed to specific requirements. Scientists and biotech companies are currently exploring new and exciting applications in pharmaceutical research, medical diagnosis, food analysis and gene technology. Estimates predict an annual market volume of about US $5 billion in this sector in the years ahead. Miniaturization, parallelism, micro-integration and mass production can cut costs by up to 80% in comparison with conventional procedures. In Berlin and Brandenburg, top-level research groups in the fields of biosensor research, bioanalysis and molecular biology are focusing on the development of Û DNA-chips for medical diagnosis (humans, animals), Û biochips for proteomics, and Û biosensor-chips for health care applications. Under the InnoRegioInitiative, headed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with additional support by the University of Potsdam and the interdisciplinary alliance for bioanalytic research (Interdisziplinärer Forschungsverbund Bioanalytik), scientists and entrepreneurs have built up the»biohybrid Technologies«regional network. The core of this network is the»biohytec Verein für Bioanalytik und Biohybrid-Technologien e.v.«, one of the winners of the InnoRegio competition. This non-profit organization coordinates all of the network s relevant interests and activities. The»BioHyTec«biohybrid technologies network facilitates Û the establishment, development and coordination of cooperation between research teams and biotech companies; Û the identification and implementation of new R&D projects involving bioelectronic systems; Û the establishment of a technological platform for the development of biochips; Û biochip production and Û training of skilled staff at the University of Applied Sciences Wildau and the Luckenwalde Biotech Park. Intensive networking between research groups and industry provides the foundation for a diverse and competitive industrial environment dedicated to biohybrid technologies. Together with BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg, which acts as the coordination center for biotechnology in Berlin and Brandenburg, the network represents all key biohybrid technologies at conferences, trade fairs and other events.

35 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioInstruments Jena 33 BioInstruments Where the spirit of the past goes on BioInstruments Jena BioInstruments Jena refers to the cooperative network formed in Thuringia by companies, research institutes, public agencies, investors, service providers and individual persons. This technology network holds a key position in the development of a dynamic and powerful innovation network at the interface between the engineering disciplines and the life sciences with strong ties to physics and chemistry. The region s tradition of implementing the results of scientific research in commercial practice was shaped by Carl Zeiss, who established his first workshop in Jena in Today Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH, along with numerous other industrial partners in the region, makes a major contribution to the successful development of BioInstruments. Systems which automate the identification of active agents in the pharmaceuticals industry, and equipment systems such as laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, have set new standards worldwide. Science and technology, research and development have had a home in Thuringia for centuries. Friedrich Schiller University was established in Jena as early as The biotechnology research sector located here today has gained significant impetus from all science faculties aswell as from the university hospital. In 1991 the Jena University of Applied Sciences was inaugurated, followed in 1997 by the University of Applied Sciences in Nordhausen, and these institutions both conduct focused research and teaching in the life sciences. Ilmenau Technical University, which was established in 1894, contributes significantly with its pioneering work in microtechnology and engineering to the development of nanobiotechnology in Thuringia. Thuringia is also the location for three Max Planck, three Fraunhofer and two Leibniz institutes, as well as numerous other internationally recognized research establishments. Key activities in BioInstruments take place in the following sectors: Û personalized medicine Û target-oriented drug development Û bioinformatic Û nanobiotechnology One of the strengths of the BioInstruments network lies in the close cooperation between research institutes, clinical users, business start-ups, established companies and their international customers and partners. A further locational advantage is found in close interdisciplinary cooperation, providing a springboard for major advances in innovation. Here, developers and users work closely together alongside experts in various specialist fields. This interdisciplinary approach particularly benefits nanobiotechnology, a current focal field, in which applications in medicine and biotechnology are combined with micro- and nanotechnology, equipment construction, automation, sensor systems, physics, chemistry, information technology, and optics. Û Chip reactor Chip reactor for the generation of microsegmented flux used in the highly parallel production of nanoliter-scale monoclonal microorganism cultures (joint development of iba Heiligenstadt, HKI Jena, IPHT Jena and Ilmenau Technical University under the MINIKULT project) (Photo: A. Grodrian) BioRegio Jena e.v. Sophienstrasse 3 D Jena Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 / Fax: +49 (0) 3641 /

36 34 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioProfile Functional Genome Analysis BioProfile Functional Genome Analysis: Understanding genes and applying this knowledge to medicine BioProfile Functional Genome Analysis BioProfile»Functional Genome Analysis Platform for Diagnostics and Therapy«provides a foundation for cooperation between biotech companies and research establishments located in the»city triangle«of Brunswick, Goettingen and Hanover. The partners work on the development of biotechnological innovations to the point of clinical application, with particular attention being paid to the development of new medicines and methods of diagnosis in the areas of infection biology, neurobiology and stem cell biology. The major impetus is provided by functional genome analysis, supported in the region by a well-established product development setup encompassing all areas of related technology, from basic research to clinical trials. A decisive advantage offered by the region derives from the facilities that exist not only for product manufacture, but also for testing new biologically active substances, such as those produced in modern plants operated in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The above-average concentration of facilities dealing with experimental animals and the area s large hospitals offer ideal conditions for the clinical development of innovative methods of diagnosis and treatment. The aim of BioProfile»Functional Genome Analysis«is to facilitate the success of young biotech companies in the marketplace, the most important prerequisites for this being an exceptionally good idea, scientific know-how, and capital. BioProfile»Functional Genome Analysis«is there to help get promising enterprises started, and is able to call on federal funds totaling 15 million Euros over the next 5 years. Young companies and people creating new businesses with promising ideas can apply to BioProfile for funding. An independent committee evaluates submitted draft projects according to their scientific and, above all, economic merit. If funding is provisionally granted, the start-up must secure at least an equal amount of capital from private sources, such as from a bank or venture capital investors. A positive evaluation by BioProfile will help convince prospective private investors of the soundness of the idea being pursued. Û Early warning system for disease: diagnostic maps BioProfil Funktionelle Genomanalyse Forum Funktionelle Genomanalyse e.v. Hannes Schlender Mascheroder Weg 1 b D Braunschweig Tel.: +49 (0) 5 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 31 / Proteins are separated using high voltage. Proteins are the focus of work conducted by Hanover-based Mosaiques diagnostics. First, the concentration of all proteins in the blood serum of healthy individuals is measured. Diagnostic maps are then produced from the data obtained, showing conditions in healthy blood. These can be compared with maps of patients blood protein. Disease alters the protein map before the appearance of other symptoms, thus offering doctors what amounts to an early warning system for disease.

37 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioRegioN GmbH 35 The newly established company BioRegioN GmbH is a professional provider of management and marketing support for biotech companies. Our goal is to promote start-ups and to build up a fund of seed capital. BioRegioN GmbH Biotechnology in Lower Saxony has now been given a new focus in its activities through the foundation of BioRegioN GmbH, which brings together the former network BioRegioN and the project BioProfile»Functional Genome Analysis platform for diagnostics and therapy«. This private limited company is based in Brunswick, with offices in Hanover, Goettingen and Wilhelmshaven. Its commercially-oriented activities consist of management and marketing support for biotech companies, as well as building up a fund of seed capital. Our goal is to transform ideas into products and services quickly and effectively. BioRegioN GmbH offers professional advice in the following areas of expertise: Û biomedicine/genome research Û biochemical engineering Û plant biotechnology Û marine biotechnology Û environmental biotechnology BioRegioN enjoys the advantage of being located at the center of a network of 17 universities, more than 80 wellknown research institutions and 170 biotech companies of distinctive and high quality. You will find a detailed list of the BioRegioN partners (including their profiles) in the database on our website: Since 1995, more than 70 biotech enterprises have been established in Lower Saxony. A total of 50 cutting-edge projects have been initiated, and well over 700 job opportunities created. In all, 170 companies are active in Lower Saxony s biotechnology sector. In May 2001, Lower Saxony was one of three winners of the BioProfile competition initiated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. As a result, BioProfile»Functional Genome Analysis«will receive 15 million Euros in project support funding from this ministry. The purpose of BioProfile is to provide systematic support for the development of products, methods and services up to the point of their clinical application, in the areas of infection biology, neurobiology and stem cell biology. The service portfolio of BioRegioN GmbH includes: Û provision of competent advice for new business start-ups, Û preparation of convincing business plans, Û assistance in the combination of support programs and financing plans, Û representation of Lower Saxony s activities in biotechnology at national and international trade fairs, Û the organization and implementation of events, workshops and symposiums relating to biotechnology, Û patent and license consultancy, Û technology transfer between science and industry, Û support in initiating cooperation between suitable partners, Û assistance in the search for suitable locations.»a better understanding of infection mechanisms will accelerate the development of new vaccines.«û Vakzine Projekt Management GmbH, Brunswick The activities of Vakzine Projekt Management GmbH (VPM) focus on professional management in the development of vaccines, for which there is great medical demand, and economic exploitation of the results. VPM seeks to close the gap between research and clinical development, thus increasing the effectiveness of research funding. The company also has the public mission to reinstate Germany as a leading location for vaccine research and development. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 25 million Euros of funding. BioRegioN GmbH Braunschweig Office Dr. Albrecht Läufer Schanzenkamp 7 D Braunschweig Tel.: +49 (0) 5 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 31 /

38 36 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioRegion Rhein-Neckar-Dreieck BioRegion Rhein-Neckar-Dreieck BioRegion Rhein-Neckar-Dreieck e.v. Dr. Ernst-Dieter Jarasch Im Neuenheimer Feld 582 D Heidelberg Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) / The BioRegion Rhine-Neckar-Dreieck is one of the leading biotechnology locations in Europe. The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the German Cancer Research Centre, the Centre of Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University, the Max- Planck-Institute for Medical Research, the institutes and university hospitals of Heidelberg and Mannheim, the Mannheim University of Applied Science and the University of Kaiserslautern, all contribute to the excellent science base in molecular biology and molecular medicine. Research focuses on functional genomics and proteomics, bioinformatics, neurobiology, and molecular medicine, particularly in the fields of cancer research, immunology and virology. These areas are supplemented by competence in cell culture and screening technologies at Mannheim University of Applied Technology and Design, in bioinformatics and applied mathematics by the University of Mannheim, in microbiology and mycology at the University of Kaiserslautern, and plant gene technology at the Centre for Green Gene Technology in Neustadt/Weinstrasse. Altogether, about scientists in research institutions are working in biotechnology-related areas. The region also comprises international chemical/pharmaceutical companies such as BASF and Abbott in Ludwigshafen, Roche Diagnostics in Mannheim and Merck in Darmstadt with proprietary R&D departments in biotechnology. Since the BioRegio Competition hosted by the Federal Government in 1996, in which the BioRegion Rhein- Neckar-Dreieck was honoured as a»model Region«, the number of small and medium-sized enterprises in biotechnology in the region has risen from 31 to more than 85, providing highly qualified jobs for 1,800 people. Almost 80 per cent of this workforce is employed by about 45 companies engaged in research and development, particularly in the drug discovery process. Many of these companies have settled in the Technology Park Heidelberg, providing m 2 of lab and office space in one of the largest biotech parks in Europe, close to the University of Heidelberg and the principal research institutes. The innovative strength of the biotech companies, coupled with the know-how and capabilities of major pharmaceuticals companies and the scientific excellence of the academic institutions, serve a Competence Network in which biotechnology can flourish. Research institutions and industry, in conjunction with local authorities, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and companies in the services sector, have formed BioRegion Rhein- Neckar-Dreieck., a registered association that serves as an efficient decisionmaking body. The association s main objective is to initiate development programmes in close cooperation with federal and regional authorities and capital markets. Furthermore, it aims to improve the infrastructure within which biotechnology can develop into a thriving sector, while ensuring adequate training facilities for skilled workers in order to achieve a critical mass in the region s biotech industry. In doing so, the BioRegion Rhein-Neckar-Dreieck is to be established as a major biotechnological center in Europe, with the potential to compete successfully with strong biotech networks in the US.

39 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioTech-Region Munich 37 Bio M is the coordinating agency for the BioTech-Region München and focuses on developing this region as one of Europe s leading biotechnology centers BioTech-Region München The BioTech-Region München pursues the aim of further developing Munich into one of Europe s leading biotech centers. Munich is making good progress towards this goal, given that more than 115 companies have been established or have located in the area in recent years, over one third of them during the past four years. Employment growth in this sector is, however, more important than the number of companies itself. Today, about 3,000 people are employed by small and medium-sized biotech companies in Munich. This represents a tenfold increase over the past six years. The biotechnology companies in and around Munich have mainly focused on»red biotechnology«, relating to the research and development of drugs and diagnostics. The dynamic growth of biotechnology in the region is rooted in the uniquely favorable scientific environment: two universities, two university hospitals, two universities for applied science, the National Research Center for Environment and Health (»GSF«) and three Max Planck Institutes with a primary focus in biology, together present clear evidence of the strong scientific potential in the region. This in turn is a key factor for the subsequent commercialization of research results and the establishment of companies. Bio M is a one-stop location for start-up and biotech companies seeking financial support or business advice. It was established in summer 1997 with the aim of fostering the development of biotechnology in the Munich area, coordinating scientific, commercial and political efforts and supporting young companies in the seed phase. In 1997 BioTech-Region München was one of the three regions to win the BioRegio competition initiated by the German federal government. This competition was without doubt a major factor in the rapid advancement of biotech companies centered around Munich. One of Bio M s first tasks was to help in the allocation of grants to start-up companies in the biotechnology field. Today, Bio M places great emphasis on establishing and optimizing the regional network, with the objective of providing better channels of information and education to all parties involved. Public relations work and marketing for the location, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as information events for existing companies also play an important role within the spectrum of services offered by Bio M. Another key aspect of Bio M activities is its support of young scientists planning to set up their own businesses. Bio M provides free advice, fosters contacts in industry and the scientific community and assists in the search for laboratory and office space. The future will bring new challenges for biotech companies in the Munich area. New ideas for research and development will have to be identified. What s more, the links between and the transfer of know-how from experienced to young companies need to be improved. Consolidation will inevitably result in an increase in the number of collaborative projects. Bio M AG Am Klopferspitz 19 D Martinsried Tel.: +49 (0) 89 / Fax: +49 (0) 89 /

40 38 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg Biotechnology s Best Address BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg Christina Steinkopff Fasanenstrasse 3 D Berlin Tel.: +49 (0) 30 / Fax: +49 (0) 30 / The Berlin and Brandenburg region offers excellent development potential and ideal conditions for the biotech industry. In a scientific environment which is unique in Europe, research and development work is conducted at five universities, three polytechnics and more than 20 research institutes in a total of 250 working groups. Over half of the more than 160 biotech companies are spin-offs from universities and research institutes. With seven biotechnology parks and pronounced expertise in the key areas proteome and genome research, biohybrid technologies, tissue engineering and bioinfomatics, the Berlin-Brandenburg region has evolved as the top location in Europe. Our goal BioTOP Berlin-Brandenburg is the central contact and coordination point for all aspects of biotechnology in and around Germany s capital. Our special profile as the network s nodal point allows us to provide rapid and successful support in all relevant issues. Linking together all parties involved, our aim is to coordinate the regional activities in biotechnology and to initiate concrete projects in order to develop Berlin-Brandenburg into a leading Center of Competence in biotechnology worldwide. Our target groups: Û universities Û research institutes Û business start-ups Û small and medium-size companies Û service providers Û financial investors Û politicians Our services: Û technology transfer between the scientific and business communities Û initiation and realization of research alliances Û initiation and support of networks Û support for technology-oriented new business start-ups Û support in the financing of innovative projects Û provision and processing of information on biotechnology Û establishment and coordination of scientific and interdisciplinary networks Û placement of experts in all specialist disciplines Û business development support Û placement of skilled specialists and organizing training offensives Û organizing and developing ideas for events Û public relations work for the region as a center of biotechnology Our structure BioTOP is supported by the following contractual partners: Û State of Berlin Û State of Brandenburg Û Federation of the Chemical Industry, State Association North-East Legal obligations vis-à-vis third parties are handled by the Technology Foundation Innovation Centre Berlin. BioTOP s strategic work is supported by an Advisory Council of 12 leading experts from business and science. Our partner organizations: BAO Berlin International GmbH, Biotechnologieverbund Berlin-Brandenburg e.v., Investitionsbank Berlin, InvestitionsBank des Landes Brandenburg, Partner für Berlin, Technologie Stiftung Brandenburg, Wirtschaftsförderung Berlin GmbH, Zukunfts- Agentur Brandenburg GmbH Our scientific networks: Genome-Proteome Research, Biohybrid technologies, Tissue Engineering, Enabling Technologies, Bioinformatics Our interdisciplinary networks: BioFinanz, BioCampus, PR get-together, Business Development Round Table

41 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û Nutrigenomics Potsdam/Berlin 39 Nutrigenomics research: Diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of nutrition-related diseases Nutrigenomics Potsdam/Berlin»Nutrigenomics Research«represents a synthesis of research in the fields of genomics, nutrition science, and plant biotechnology. Such research is primarily concerned with nutrition-related diseases. Research into the causes of chronicdegenerative diseases has shown that they are partly or entirely related to diet, which means they are preventable in most cases. The immense cost related to the treatment of chronic-degenerative diseases each year, such as cancer and diabetes, is a major strain on the economy. Statistics have shown that approximately one fourth of costs in the health care system are attributable to such nutrition-related diseases. Plant research is an essential component of this new research field. Plant genome research and high throughput analysis of metabolites will soon lead to more rapid detection and analysis of new metabolic pathways and connections. Plant research ranges from genomic analysis and expression profiling to the analysis of proteins, metabolites and other compounds, using a wide variety of methods, including bioinformatics. In May 2001, the Berlin-Brandenburg region received an award as part of the BioProfile development program, sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This award provides funding of 18 million Euros over a period of five years, for work in the field of nutrition-related diseases. It will be used to promote applicationrelated projects. Within the BioProfiles development program, research in the Berlin/Potsdam region is to focus on the following topics: Û metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes Û cancer Û allergies Û technology The BioProfiles development program of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is dedicated to the intensive implementation of application-oriented projects through the joint efforts of the research community and industry. The interdisciplinary nature of the overall concept provides ideal conditions to further new ideas and for the development of new products. In 2002, the first projects selected for funding included Û AllerGenChip, Û numanized mouse models for SULT1A, Û Colon Cancer-Synbiotics and Genomics, Û metabolic and genetic profiles Û Adipositas-Chip, Û DNA adducts and food safety. The need to facilitate networking among participating research groups and to identify common R&D projects led to the foundation of the»verein zur Förderung der Nutrigenomforschung«, a non-profit scientific society. This broadly based research initiative aims to utilize information derived from the decoding of the human genome and the genomes of nutritional plants for the purpose of developing third-generation genetically modified foodstuffs. These are to contribute to the targeted prevention of specific diseases. BioProfile Koordinationsstelle Nutrigenomik Dr. Ilka Grötzinger Arthur-Scheunert-Allee D Bergholz-Rehbrücke Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) / Verein zur Förderung der Nutrigenomforschung e.v. Prof. Dr. Dr. Hans-Georg Joost Arthur-Scheunert-Allee D Bergholz-Rehbrücke Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) /

42 40 Û Fields of Innovation Û Biotechnology Û Regeneration Biology BioRegio STERN focuses on regeneration biology. Regeneration Biology Before: Osteochondrosis dissecans on medial Femurcondylus After: Completely healed cartilage ten months after chondrocyts transplantation. TETEC AG BioRegio STERN Management GmbH Managing Director Markus Siehr Friedrichstrasse 10 D Stuttgart Tel.: +49 (0) 711 / Fax: +49 (0) 711 / Regeneration biology holds some of the most promising economic potentials for biotechnology in the health sector and is regarded as the growth market the 21 st century. This prompted the BioRegio Stuttgart/ Neckar-Alb to propose the»development Concept for Regeneration Biology«in the national BioProfile competition hosted by Germany s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Today known as BioRegio STERN (standing for Stuttgart, Tuebingen, Esslingen, Reutlingen, Neckar-Alb), the network s competition entry has resulted in funding of 18 million Euros over the next five years, this being devoted to the commercialization of regenerative biotechnology projects for specific applications. These funds are to be matched in amount by the companies involved. The aim of the development concept is to systematically promote and develop new products, processes and services in the field of regeneration biology and to implement these in clinical applications. The Regeneration Biology network acts as a platform to pool the strengths of all partners. As the central contact point, BioRegio STERN Management GmbH handles the core tasks of overall coordination related to regional development of biotechnological expertise, including resource planning, infrastructure planning, public relations, advice on business start-ups, location marketing, planning and execution of information events, trade fairs and conferences, and other services for institutes and companies in the BioRegion. The Association for the Promotion of Biotechnology Stuttgart/Tuebingen/Neckar-Alb e.v. in Tuebingen represents the interests of scientists and the numerous scientific establishments. Participants in the network concentrate on three focal fields: Û regeneration medicine Û regenerative nutritional physiology Û and phytoregeneration Regeneration medicine is a new medical discipline which aims at restoring organ functions on the basis of regeneration biology. It focusses on the development of treatment strategies for various disorders and illnesses caused by cell loss. It is intresting to note that this is the root of the most frequent disorders such as sensory and neurodegenerative problems (impaired hearing, loss of sight, Alzheimer s disease), cardiovascular disease (heart failure), rheumatic conditions, endocrine disorders (diabetes) and illnesses due to accidents and/or injuries. Given the increasing life expectancy in the industrialized countries, successful treatment on the basis of regeneration medicine would result in a substantial reduction in costs for medical treatment and health care and in an improvement in the quality of life of patients. Phytoregenerative biotechnology shows its economic potential in the industrial reproduction of plant organisms. An important area of application is, for example, the production of vital energy sources such as starch, cotton and bioethanol. Phytoregenerative biotechnology is also gaining particular importance in the agro-industrial utilization of genetically modified crops.

43 Û Fields of Innovation Û Education & Training 41 Education & Training TheoPrax Karlsruhe Teaching traditions in Germany are experiencing a paradigm shift. In order to bring a more practical, real-world orientation to education and training, efforts are being made to promote networking and cooperation between academia and the industrial and business world. The education system in Germany is shaped by a democratic process that gives each Land complete legislative autonomy over its own schools. Voluntary cooperation among the Länder is taking place in the mational Standing Conference of the Ministers of Educetion and Cultural Affairs«. A similar scheme also exists at university level, where the Association of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions in Germany serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas. These activities are coordinated at national level by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Reforms are initiated at both the national and regional level. The education market is not limited to schools and universities. Ongoing career education also plays a role, and the number of qualified private-sector providers of professional training continues to rise. Education is of universal benefit. All levels of society have a need for extensive education; for example, knowing how to extract relevant information from today s flood of data. Lifelong learning enables the student to achieve further professional qualifications that reflect technological and social changes, and is therefore of vital importance to Germany s status as an industrial nation. The Networks of Competence: Education & Training Û TheoPrax Û Page 42

44 42 Û Fields of Innovation Û Education & Training Û TheoPrax TheoPrax-Projects: By working on industrial problems, pupils and students, teachers and lecturers can apply the knowledge they have acquired on a practical basis TheoPrax Education is knowledge and action The TheoPrax teaching and learning method aims to bring schools and universities into closer contact with practical experience. The syllabus-integrated team-based project work on industrial topics calls for the practical application of theoretical knowledge, whereby students can acquire and practice job-relevant skills, such as the ability to work in teams, communication, problem solving and creativity. Working on problems faced in industry, pupils and students, as well as teachers and lecturers, are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge to practical issues. A network has been developing between schools, universities and companies since TheoPrax was set up in In addition to the TheoPrax Center at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT), there are 8 further communication centers throughout Germany. The TheoPrax organization also cooperates with partners abroad on matters of education and training. The network acts as an exchange in which customers including manufacturers, commercial companies, the craft trades, service providers, local authorities and associations appoint pupils and students to solve problems arising in their organizations. The TheoPrax pupils and students assigned to this project work come from schools of all types and from a diverse range of university courses. An important role is also played by project-work tutors, school teachers, lecturers from universities, from technical colleges and teacher training colleges, mentors, and assistants from scientific disciplines. The partners in the TheoPrax network (as at the end of 2002) include more than 60 companies (half of which are major corporations), together with 6 towns and communities, roughly 20 societies and associations, as well as more than 50 lecturers from universities and technical colleges, Fraunhofer and Max Planck institutes, and more than 60 schools of all types. In order to encourage more widespread use of the TheoPrax teaching and learning method we established the TheoPrax Foundation (www.theoprax-stiftung.de) in June The object of the Foundation is to promote science and research, education and training. Û Wood foams TheoPrax Center Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie (ICT) Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Strasse 7 D Pfinztal Head: Dörthe Krause Tel.: +49 (0) 7 21 / Fax: +49 (0) 7 21 / Conducting tests involving extruders, injection molding machines and microwave equipment, about 60 pupils at 5 schools are attempting to produce a stable foam from lignin, a waste product of paper manufacture. The pupils familiarize themselves with the research subject through seminar and extension courses integrated within their scheduled classes, as well as in parallel working groups.

45 Û Fields of Innovation Û Environmental Technology 43 Environmental Technology Ruhr region NiC Closed Loop Technologies Hole in the ozone layer DLR Projects and initiatives serving innovative environmental engineering are being pushed forward by industry and the scientific community in all industrialized nations. These endeavors are frequently supported by government funding programs. Emphasis for funding in Germany revolves around research on environmentally compatible sustainable development, with special focus given to programs furthering innovations in resource and waste management which have a reduced impact on the environment. The objective is to ensure consistently high environmental standards and to create new markets, concentrating on both conventional downstream environmental engineering as well as integrated technologies in the context of sustainable development. Due chiefly to its exceptional capacity for innovation, the German environmental technology industry is able to tap a substantial potential for sales on the global environmental protection market. Along with the USA, Germany currently occupies a leading position on the world market. Over 10,000 companies in Germany offer goods and services for environmental protection, as well as environmentally friendly products. Institutes of higher education in Germany serve to ensure a link between research, research-oriented junior staff training and apprenticeships, and offer diverse courses of study in the field of environmental engineering. There are also plans to introduce»vocational training for sustainable development«in the future. The Networks of Competence: Environmental Technology Û NiC Closed Loop Û Page 44 Technologies

46 44 Û Fields of Innovation Û Environmental Technology Û NiC Closed Loop Technologies Providing a platform for the preparation, initiation and implementation of creative recycling technologies and strategies NiC Closed Loop Technologies Saving resources with innovative recycling technologies Guiding principle Creative ideas do not come to fruition in a flash of brilliant inspiration. They evolve step by step through the work of a great number of innovative people, until finally they are ready for implementation. Timely procurement of information and efficient information management are two of the most important factors in this process. The interdisciplinary Network for Innovative Recycling Technologies nurtures new ideas and provides a platform for the preparation, initiation and implementation of creative technologies and strategies. More specifically, the network seeks out and develops innovative, efficient solutions for the avoidance, recycling and disposal of waste. Areas of activity, aims and benefits Activities focus on the full spectrum of material recycling and waste management, covering such aspects as the products involved in recycling, disposal systems in industry, the trade and services sector, logistics structures, business development and future strategies. The network endeavors to strengthen the links between pure research, applied research and industrial application, and promotes the efficient transfer of knowledge between the commercial, scientific and political communities. The benefit for all parties involved derives from the search for new ideas and their validation, the rapid initiation of projects, strategic business planning, early response to legislative initiatives and contact with sponsors. Regions With its mix of industrial enterprises and scientific institutions of differing size and economic importance, the competence network plays a strategic role in the technical and commercial development of recycling, not only nationwide, but also throughout the European Union. Network meetings The network meetings, which take place three times a year, provide a vital forum for experts from different fields to engage in a creative discussion on new approaches to recycling and waste management. The meetings function as an open information and contact exchange and attract a very good attendance. Participants enjoy wide latitude for presenting and discussing their problems and dealing with issues that need resolving. Emphasis is also placed on fostering lasting contacts between executives and decision-makers from different fields. Dipl.-Ing. Peter Meyer Fraunhofer-Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML Abteilung Entsorgungslogistik Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Strasse 2 4 D Dortmund Tel.: +49 (0) 2 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 31 / Û Cost-benefit scenarios for recycling in the EU Costs versus benefit Recycling has to be viable The development of cost-benefit scenarios for recycling in the EU can be regarded as an important contribution to the EU s 6 th Environment Action Programme. The scenarios help to create transparency and to generate better information using a scientific approach in obtaining reliable results. The results are verified with the help of sensitivity tests to ensure the credibility of the findings.

47 Û Fields of Innovation Û Genomics 45 Genomics NGFN - National Genome Research Network Hanover Genomics Göttingen East Westphalia Lippe Bacterial Genome Research Würzburg PathoGenoMik Würzburg Pickingrobot ( German Human Genome Projekt, Uwe Steinert) Genome research has exponentially expanded our knowledge of the foundations of life, with the genome data of many plant and animal species having already been deciphered. The data culled from genome research promises to spawn a range of useful applications in many areas, including new medicines and therapies, energy-efficient production processes, and effective means of reducing environmental pollution. But to reap these benefits, knowledge must be acquired beyond that gained from gene mapping and sequencing. Translating the scientific findings of genome research into products and processes is of particular importance to several sectors of the economy, including medicine, pharmaceutics and biotechnology, environmental technology, agriculture and foodstuffs. As an innovative area of biotechnology, genome research has led to the formation of a number of new companies that focus on areas such as diagnostic products, drug development, services for the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnological process development. The expertise required for a career in this field can be gained through degree courses in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, agricultural and forestry sciences, bioinformatics and information technology. Vocational colleges offer training for prospective chemical and biological lab technicians and other technical assistants, for which an increasing demand has been identified. The Networks of Competence: Genomics Û Bacterial Genome Research Û Page 46 Û PathoGenoMik Würzburg Û Page 49 Û Genomics Göttingen Û Page 47 Û NGFN National Û Page 48 Genome Research Network

48 46 Û Fields of Innovation Û Genomics Û Bacterial Genome Research Exploiting the outstanding metabolic capacities encoded in the genomes of five bacterial species for use in agricultural, environmental and biotechnological applications Bacterial Genome Research Chromosome map of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC The competence network»genome Research on Bacteria Relevant for Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology«pools the excellence of a total of twenty-one German research groups affiliated with twelve universities, three research institutes and two companies. The network s research focuses on bacteria relevant in the fields of»agriculture«,»environment«and»biotechnology«.»agriculture«consists of the two groups»plant-growth-promoting Bacteria«and»Phytopathogenic Bacteria«, respectively.»environment«is composed of the group»pollutant- Degrading Bacteria«whereas»Biotechnology«comprises the three groups»corynebacteria«,»streptomycetes«and»myxobacteria«. All bacterial strains selected for genome research represent relevant model organisms. It is of special importance that all these organisms can be analyzed genetically. The network is coordinated by a competence center located at the University of Bielefeld. It consists of the network management and the technology node. The technology node provides essential techniques for genome research, including DNA sequence analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Within the scope of the network, genome projects as well as postgenomic analyses are addressed. A major objective of the network is to establish the genome sequences of five bacterial genomes. In»Agriculture«, the nitrogen-fixing Azoarcus sp. was selected because this bacterium exerts a growth-stimulating effect on rice plants. Sequencing is also being carried out on the phytopathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Clavibacter michiganensis, which are responsible for significant economic losses in agriculture worldwide. Within the field of»environment«, Alcanivorax borkumensis,an oil-eating marine bacterium, is under study. Finally, in»biotechnology«, the genome of the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum is being analyzed. S. cellulosum, for instance, produces epothilone, a compound with cytostatic properties currently undergoing phase-ii clinical trials. To date, the shotgunsequencing phase of nearly all of the bacterial genome projects has been completed, and the gap closure phase has been started. Within the framework of the network, postgenomic analyses are being performed with the symbiotic nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti as well as the amino acid producer Corynebacterium glutamicum, whose genome sequence was recently established (see figure). For both organisms, genome-wide microarrays were constructed to study gene expression under specific conditions. Last but not least, selected cosmids of Streptomycetes are sequenced which contain biosynthetic gene clusters encoding secondary metabolite production. Newly identified gene clusters will then be used for the synthesis of novel antibiotics employing combinatorial biosynthesis. Prof. Dr. A. Pühler Universität Bielefeld Lehrstuhl für Genetik Postfach D Bielefeld Û Chromosome map of Corynebacterium glutamicum The outer and inner circles of the chromosome map Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC show open reading frames (ORFs) transcribed in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, respectively. The position of specific genes and IS elements are indicated. Tel.: +49 (0) 5 21 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 21 /

49 Û Fields of Innovation Û Genomics Û Genomics Göttingen 47 The first completely sequenced microbial genomes are on the way Competence Network»Genome research on bacteria for the analysis of biodiversity and its further use for the development of new production processes«how much do we know about bacteria? About 6,000 species have been isolated and described and it has been estimated that more than one million different species exist, most of which cannot be cultivated. This situation is being tackled through the goals of our network. We work on metagenomics, which means that we not only investigate isolated bacteria but also bacterial DNA that is isolated from soil irrespective of the organisms it may belong to. Interesting genes are fished through the use of relevant targets. Here we present some of the results achieved by our whole-genome sequencing projects. Û Gluconobacter oxydans The first genome sequence to be completed was that of the archaeon Picrophilus torridus. This was the work of the research groups led by Wolfgang Liebl (Goettingen) and Garabed Antranikian (Hamburg- Harburg) in collaboration with the Goettingen Genomics Laboratory. This microbe is remarkable in that it develops its optimum growth rates under extremely harsh conditions, at ph 0.7 and 60 C. Now that the sequence is complete, we have identified how many genes this organism contains. The genes of special interest are those that encode for enzymes, which are secreted. These enzymes require an extremely low ph to be active, and the groups led by G. Antranikian and W. Liebl have succeeded in extracting the gene for an amylolytic enzyme which actually exhibits a ph optimum around ph 1.0. More genomes are in the pipeline. Their exploitation with respect to possible applications is under way. Another genome that has been almost completely sequenced is that of Gluconobacter oxydans. This bacterium is an incomplete oxidiser, meaning that substrates such as sugars are partially oxidised by enzymes facing the periphery of the cells. Substrates thus diffuse to the membrane of these cells, electrons are channelled into the respiratory chain of these organisms and the products are released without the need of transport into and out of the cells. On the basis of the genome data, the biotechnological potential of this organism is now being exploited by the groups led by Uwe Deppenmeier (Goettingen), Hermann Sahm (Juelich) and Helmut Görisch (Berlin) in collaboration with BASF AG (Ludwigshafen). Genomics Göttingen Electron micrographs of cells and cell wall section of Picrophilus torridus M. Hoppert and O. Fütterer Prof. Dr. Gerhard Gottschalk Institut für Mikrobiologie u. Genetik Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Grisebachstrasse 8 D Göttingen Tel.: +49 (0) 5 51 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 51 /

50 48 Û Fields of Innovation Û Genomics Û NGFN National Genome Research Network A new interdisciplinary approach towards the systematic exploration of the basic genetic influences involved in complex diseases NGFN National Genome Research Network Projekt Management des NGFN, DLR Koblenzerstrasse 112 D Bonn Tel.: +49 (0) 2 28 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 28 / In response to the current impact of genomics on biomedical research, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research established the National Genome Research Network NGFN. It first received funding totaling 180 million Euros in 2001, covering an initial period of three years. The NGFN s new interdisciplinary concept is based on close collaboration in the fields of high-throughput genome research and medical research aimed at improved diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases. In order to meet this objective, an outstanding number of renowned clinical experts and scientists in basic research combine their knowhow within the NGFN. Two key criteria the scale of activities and a combined approach make it essential that the NGFN provide a well defined structural base to ensure its effectiveness and success: The research activities are organized in three structural elements. The Core Area is formed by five major institutions (4 Helmholtz-Centers and 1 Max-Planck- Institute), who contribute their expertise in high-throughput genomic research. Jointly they maintain seven research platforms, covering the fields of genomic evolution, gene expression profiling, cdna sequencing and functional assays, protein interactions, animal models, genotyping and bioinformatics. This core area interacts with five diseaseoriented genome networks which focus on cardiovascular diseases, infection and inflammation, cancer, diseases of the nervous system and diseases attributed to environmental factors. Each of these networks consists of 3 5 local research sites. The majority of these are located at universities, but also include non-university research facilities and a number of biotechnology companies. The third element comprises Platform Technologies in the fields of bioinformatics, proteomics and genetic epidemiology. NGFN institutes are distributed geographically throughout Germany. Steering and coordination is maintained by an internal committee and an external board. The External Steering Board ensures that the NGFN performs its activities in accordance with governmental prerequisites, particularly with regard to organizational structure, scientific strategies and financing. Its members comprise highly competent experts from science and industry. The Project Committee is entrusted with internal management and is made up of representatives from the core area, the disease-oriented genome networks and the platform technologies. This is the self-steering management body of the NGFN. It focuses primarily on project coordination, project controlling and public relations. In order to secure broad-based support for research projects and the work of both committees, the Technology Transfer Agency and the Project Management office were set up. The Technology Transfer Agency supports all partners in the NGFN in the commercial exploitation of their research results, such as patenting and industrial collaboration. Project management is led by a professional team which carries out a comprehensive range of operational tasks in support of relevant information-based action on the part of the internal and external management bodies.

51 Û Fields of Innovation Û Genomics Û PathoGenoMik Würzburg 49 Fighting infectious diseases: genome research into pathogenic bacteria pathogenomics PathoGenoMik Würzburg Infectious diseases represent one of the most severe health problems worldwide. Approximately one third of the human death toll can be attributed to infections caused by pathogenic viruses, fungi, parasites and, in particular, bacteria. Microbial infections not only affect developing countries, but also represent a major problem in industrialized countries. Hospital-acquired infections, in particular, have increased dramatically in the recent past. Resistance of bacteria to antibiotics has become a serious medical problem, especially in countries where excessive and irresponsible use of these anti-bacterial drugs is commonplace. Finally, contamination of food by bacterial pathogens represents not only a health problem but also leads to major economic losses. There is thus an urgent need for development in improved diagnostics and effective vaccines, placing particular emphasis on the discovery and evaluation of new anti-infective drugs. The systematic genomic and post-genomic research into bacterial pathogens currently being undertaken by this network may contribute significantly to the solution of these problems. A number of bacterial genomes will be sequenced for the first time. Together with already published sequences, this new information is used to identify as yet unknown pathogenicity factors. Furthermore, valuable data pertaining to the genetic variability of virulencerelated traits will be obtained through this approach (see below). The network s own database, along with those accessible in the public domain, are exploited in designing DNA microarrays for whole and partial genomes. Such»chips«are used for a number of applications. Gene expression studies aim to characterize regulatory systems and the conditions under which specific virulence factors are activated or deactivated. This approach also helps to identify new drug targets and their behavior. Furthermore, studies can be carried out on genetic diversity among different isolates of a bacterial species, as well as on gene polymorphisms (such as in antibiotic-resistance genes). The network comprises 28 research groups from 13 universities, the Max- Planck Institute for Infection Biology (Berlin) and the GBF in Brunswick. The competence center at the University of Wuerzburg coordinates their activities and provides a bioinformatics and technical support facility. An organizationally independent part of the network is coordinated by the University of Stuttgart. It focuses on the development of methods for the rapid diagnosis of microbial antibiotic resistances in medicine. Infectious diseases as cause of death the most important pathogens and estimated number of deaths per year worldwide (WHO report 2000 ) Prof. Dr. Werner Goebel Chair of Microbiology Biozentrum Am Hubland D Würzburg Tel.: +49 (0) 931 / Fax: +49 (0) 931 / Central Management Û Genome microarrays Based on published genome sequences, whole genome microarrays for Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori, respectively, have been developed within the competence network. Global transcriptional profiling is used to identify the regulatory systems of these bacteria. Furthermore, genome microarrays are used to analyze genetic diversity among bacterial strains. Genome comparison and expression profiling in Staphylococcus aureus Prof. Dr. Rolf D. Schmid Dr. Till T. Bachmann Institute of Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart Allmandring 31 D Stuttgart Tel.: +49 (0) 711 / Fax: +49 (0) 711 /

52 50 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing Volkswagen AG

53 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing 51 Industrial Manufacturing Hamburg CFK Valley Stade CFRP Lightweight Structures Adaptronics Brunswick Stuttgart Pro3 Process Technology Dresden Chemnitz Mechanical Engineering Saxony Lake Constance Upper Swabia Ulm ENG-NET Virtual Engineering Network Production research developed with the beginning of the industrialization of Germany back in the 19 th century. Today, Germany ranks highly in the industrial manufacturing sector, thanks to close cooperation between industry and research institutions. The latent demand for manufactured goods in less industrialized countries, as well as the growing worldwide demand for mobility, communication and food, will yield further growth. New vehicle drive systems and new materials and processes in the electronics and mechanical engineering sectors will make way for products with entirely new functions. Problem-solving is in ever greater demand, which is consequently shifting business operations and companies towards the role of integrated service providers. Business-to-business and international networking is to become increasingly important for small and medium-sized companies too. Engineering students in Germany still mostly obtain qualifications under the national education scheme, earning the titles of»diplom-ingenieur«or»dr.-ingenieur«, but meanwhile many institutions of higher education are offering courses leading to an internationally recognized bachelor s or master s degree. Associations for professors and heads of faculty include the German Academic Society for Production Engineering (WGP) and the academic group for labor economics and business management (HAB). The Networks of Competence: Industrial Manufacturing Û Adaptronics Û Page 52 Û CFK Valley Stade CFRP Û Page 53 Lightweight Structures Û Mechanical Engineering Û Page 55 Saxony Û Pro3 Process Technology Û Page 56 Û ENG-NET Virtual Û Page 54 Engineering

54 52 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing Û Adaptronics Adaptronics Intercity Express (ICE) Adaptive car roof panel The concentration of know-how in the Network of Competence Adaptronics is certainly unique in the world. The network, founded in 1992, grew out of cooperation between various research organizations and universities. Its regional and nationwide membership was enlarged in 1997 to include further universities, major research establishments, small and medium-sized enterprises and large industrial companies. The objective of the network is to introduce adaptronic solutions to all fields of mechanical engineering in order to optimize new product developments and existing processes. It also aims to develop core competencies to secure the value creation potential of its members and to build up new markets. The network partners possess highly skilled expertise in all aspects of adaptronic systems systems that self-adapt to external influences. Such adaptive systems are developed through the optimum combination of sensors and actuators on the basis of new multifunctional materials such as piezoceramic fibers and patches, shape memory alloys or magnetostrictive materials with adaptive controllers. They are multifunctional in the sense that they simultaneously comprise load-carrying and actuator/sensor functions. The network aims to implement innovative adaptronics-based concepts particularly for active vibration and noise reduction, shape control and micro positioning. One typical example of the network s products is an adaptive car roof panel. The technical challenge was to develop a means of actively compensating for roof panel vibrations using bonded, actively controlled piezoelectric patches. Network partners: Research and development: DLR German Aerospace Center, DLR-SM (structural mechanics), DLR-WF (materials research), FhG Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, FhG-ISC (silicate research), FhG-IWM (mechanics of materials), FhG-IFAM (materials research), FhG-IKTS (ceramics), FhG-IZFP(nondestructive testing), FhG-LBF(structural durability), OvGU Magdeburg Adaptronics, OvGU Magdeburg, TU Dresden (materials research), TU Brunswick (machine tools), TU Darmstadt (system reliability) Manufacturing: ERAS (active systems), INVENT (fiber composites), FEMCOS (finite elements), HTM Reetz (high-temperature devices), Kayser-Threde (aerospace), Panacol- Elosol (polymers), Qnet (quality management), HEGLA (vehicle and machine construction) Technology transfer & business development: Volkswagen, EADS CRC, Siemens CTM Carl Zeiss, DaimlerChrysler Dornier Siemens Med Research delivery: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Project sponsor PTJ-NMT German Aerospace Center e.v. Institute of Structural Mechanics Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. E. Breitbach Dr.-Ing. H. P. Monner Lilienthalplatz 7 D Braunschweig Tel.: +49 (0) 5 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 31 / Û Adaptive ICE vibration damping The objective is an adaptive noise and vibration damping of high-speed train bogies. The technical solution is the development of a new hybrid damping system consisting of a conventional damper against low-frequency vibrations combined with a piezo actuator system to damp higher frequencies ( Hz).

55 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing Û CFK-Valley Stade Lightweight Structures 53 Industrial manufacture and automated production of marketable CFRP lightweight structures. CFK Valley Stade CFRP Lightweight Structures The application of carbon-fiber reinforced structures is recognized as having the greatest potential for lightweight construction in the aircraft industry and in transport technology. Being even lighter than aluminum construction methods, weight can be cut by up to 30% with this material, resulting in significant economical and ecological advantages. Twenty percent of an airbus structure, for example, is already composed of composite fibers. With the introduction of CFRP wings in 2007, this amount will exceed the 40% mark. An»all-composite«passenger aircraft is expected around Manufacturing costs are still a barrier to further market penetration in the field of transport technology. Research and development laboratories have developed a number of promising applicationspecific technologies in seeking to solve this problem. However, the potential to fall below the existing cost-per-piece for metal components available on the market can only be achieved if these individual technologies are integrated into new manufacturing technologies. The Composite Technology Center (CTC) located at the Deutsche Airbus GmbH site in Stade is the nucleus of the CFK»Valley«. Emulating the successful network philosophy of Silicon Valley, know-how and partners for the material and process development of polymer fiber composite materials are pooled in a network. Its essential aim is to generate the capabilities to fulfill market requirements in terms of cost and manufacturing rates. The specifications achieved are gradually approaching those required by other industries, such as for the production of commercial road or railway vehicles. This paves the way towards mass production as required in the automobile industry. The close proximity of leading supplier and development partners should, in particular, lead to a consolidation in the range of products offered by compositefiber manufacturers. Network partners, a number of whom are located in the immediate vicinity, include: Û German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Structural Mechanics, Brunswick, Û Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research (IFAM), Bremen, Û Hexcel Structures & Interiors GmbH, Stade, Û SAERTEX Wagener and SAERTEX Stade GmbH & Co. KG Û Airbus GmbH Werk Stade, Û Daimler Chrysler AG, Sindelfingen Û Siemens Duewag Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH, Krefeld-Uerdingen Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) as a key technology for complex, highly loadable structures. CTC Û HTP swiveling lever A specific arrangement of the carbon fibers results in material properties that can be tailored to specific applications. Compared to structures made of lightweight metals, this can lead to significant technical and economical advantages. In this case: Û 28 % lower cost Û 46 % less weight Swiveling lever for the horizontal tail plane of the Airbus A /600 Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Herrmann, Dr. Andreas Baar, Wolfgang Axthammer Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Neue Materialien Niedersachsen e.v. Nikolaikirchhof 1 D Göttingen Tel.: +49 (0) 5 51 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 51 /

56 54 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing Û ENG-NET Virtual Engineering Consolidation of engineering expertise and cooperation of SME s in innovative research and development projects ENG-NET Virtual Engineering Virtuelle Fabrik Baden-Württemberg e.v. Geschäftsstelle IHK Bodensee-Oberschwaben Prof. Rolf Bausinger Lindenstrasse 2 D Weingarten Tel.: +49 (0) 751 / Fax: +49 (0) 751 / ENG-Net is an innovative network that aims to increase the expertise and products of its partners through cooperation and the focused implementation of know-how. We aim to be a leading technology network able to provide substantially more than the individual capabilities of our partners. We are creating new strategies in the development of innovative products and are open to new ideas gained through close cooperation with partners and customers. The results are made available in training courses offered by the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce at Lake Constance-Upper Swabia, a partner of the network ENG-NET is integrated in the»virtuelle Fabrik Baden-Wuerttemberg«. This virtual factory presently combines the expertise of 16 SME partners in an engineering, development and production network. The partner companies complement each other through their core expertise, which is integrated in a cooperative network. The enormous potential represented by the capabilities of the»virtuelle Fabrik«is used to carry out complex projects in research and development together with universities and research institutes, or in special development contracts for various customers. The aim is to provide qualified projectmanagement and a single point of contact for all projects. The idea behind the»virtuelle Fabrik«is based on the know-how of the different partner companies. All partners thus have an overall awareness of the processes and structures of other companies, enabling each to benefit directly from improved know-how. The network is organized in three different competence teams: development design simulation, electronics IT, automation and production. Cooperation in these teams is very close. ENG-NET intends to contribute to the entire chain of product and process development. It acts as a platform that is perfectly equipped to handle complex and innovative development projects and to deliver high-end system solutions, thanks to the broad range of expertise provided by its partners. A further important task is to develop the market for the added-value integration of expertise, and to seek cooperation with research institutes and organizations in acquiring appropriate theoretical and scientific background. The partners of ENG-NETare centered around Baden-Wuerttemberg. At the same time, they operate globally in the automotive and aerospace industries, medical and environmental technologies, the paper and glass industries, production plant, automation and robotics. ENG-NETshares a common intranet platform with 3 other virtual organizations in Germany and Switzerland. We promote ongoing cooperation between all partners through various teams and internal meetings, whereby the intranet keeps all members informed of the activities of network partners. The information and communications management of the network handles all information, inquiries, project activities, events and news. All partners are informed of new project inquiries automatically and simultaneously by . This contributes essentially towards generating the necessary trust in an efficient network of partner companies who are also competitors in their own right on the market.

57 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing Û Mechanical Engineering Saxony 55 Mechanical Engineering Saxony The Mechanical Engineering Competence Center is a network of companies and their partners in Saxony. The central office is located in Chemnitz, a city renowned for its engineering and industrial excellence. The members of the Competence Center are machine tool manufacturers, specialized mechanical engineering firms, textile machinery manufacturers, system components producers, research institutes and Chemnitz University of Technology. The Competence Center links together 30 companies, research institutes and partners with approximately 4,000 employees and a combined turnover of about 500 million. The members of the Competence Center provide complete technological system-based solutions. Its target groups include the car industry, plant and mechanical engineering firms, machine tool manufacturers, the metalworking sector and technical textile producers. By integrating the steps involved in pre- and post-production and consolidating the various operations required we ensure that cost-effective measures are available which can be adapted to any main process. Thanks to our members well structured portfolio of products, combined with the sense of partnership and cooperation fostered in our work groups, the Competence Center has what organizations need to achieve their manufacturing goals. Formal training of qualified specialists and management staff, combined with close contacts to research institutes and universities, ensures that a body of expertise is built up with which to meet the challenges of the future. The research institutes linked to the Competence Center conduct work on diverse aspects of mechanical engineering in order to accommodate clients individual needs. Our dedication and commitment have earned us a highly respected reputation for innovative and applied research. Top: Heckert SKM 400 featuring a parallel kinematic system Left: Tool spindle on a hexapod-milling machine Competence Center for Mechanical Engineering Chemnitz/Sachsen e.v. Olaf Rindelhardt Reichenhainer Strasse 88 D Chemnitz Tel.: +49 (0) 3 71 / Fax: +49 (0) 3 71 /

58 56 Û Fields of Innovation Û Industrial Manufacturing Û Pro3 Process Technology Pro3 We network process technology! Pro3 Process Technology Tailor-made particles by product engineering: application-oriented process design, including the use of microorganisms, makes it possible to produce innovative particles with unique properties (University of Karlsruhe) Kompetenznetz Verfahrenstechnik Pro3 Pfaffenwaldring 9 D Stuttgart Tel.: +49 (0) 7 11 / Fax: +49 (0) 7 11 / Achieving expert capability in process technology and building on this expertise is extremely important for the global competitiveness of industries involved in the processing of materials, such as chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals and paper manufacture, as well as those companies engaged in environmental engineering and process equipment. What s more, process technology plays a key role in saving natural resources and reducing environmental impact. The common goal of the partners in Pro3 is to develop new approaches for product and process design as well as to shorten the time required for transferring the results of basic research to industrial applications. The work of the competence network»process Technology Pro3«covers all levels of the innovation chain. This creates outstanding opportunities for sounding out research subjects at an earlier stage and for deploying limited resources more effectively. The key factors in this process are interdisciplinary action, communication and cooperation. The competence network links and focuses the process technology activities of its members in basic and applied research, teaching and practical application. The network s main areas of research encompass the development of product ideas through to actual application, the modeling and control of processes, and reaction engineering: 1. Product design Û functional particles Û aerosols and submicron particles Û polymer technology Û emulsifying Û food processing 2. Process modeling and control Û population-dynamic modeling of disperse and polymer systems Û modeling, simulation and control of dynamic processes Û biochemical engineering and biosystems Û thermodynamics of complex fluids 3. Reaction engineering Û high-temperature reaction engineering Û chemical reaction engineering for heterogeneous systems Û fuel cell systems Û integrated processes Intensive communication is promoted between the partners from universities, basic research and industry, who discuss, initiate, assess and support research projects. Research funding is provided by the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and by industry. There is a regular exchange of information through workshops and symposia, and the research projects are supplemented by joint scientific teaching and further education events at the universities of Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe and Magdeburg. Through targeted involvement with schools and universities, Pro3 actively helps to secure a steady flow of young talent. For instance, Pro3 holds seminars for students on the subject of»soft skills«and»corporate planning exercises«. Network partners: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in Magdeburg The Universities of Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe and Stuttgart The companies BASF AG, Cognis Deutschland, Degussa AG, IPF Beteiligungsgesellschaft Berndt KG, Lurgi AG, Merck KgaA, Rauschert Verfahrenstechnik GmbH, Siemens AG

59 Û Fields of Innovation Û Information Technology 57 Information Technology Aachen REGINA e.v Information Technology Aachen Darmstadt- Starkenburg Virtual Work Enviroment IBM Deutschland GmbH Kaiserslautern ViSEK Virtual Software Engineering Information technology is an interdisciplinary field that permeates virtually every aspect of our lives. Combined with microelectronics and telecommunication, it is a decisive economic factor. In recent years, the German market for information technology and telecommunication has experienced above-average growth. In 2001, the IT sector ranked fourth in share of gross domestic product after road vehicle manufacturing, electrical and mechanical engineering. Scientific freedom and flexible infrastructures are essential to IT research led by competition for the best ideas. Cooperation between the scientific community and industry ensures swift implementation of research results as marketable products. The BMBF-funded»IT-Research 2006«program supports this approach. Focal fields include nanoelectronics and systems, virtual and augmented reality, Internet technologies and processes, mobile broadband communication systems and network security. A qualified, skilled workforce is a prerequisite for the further development of the information economy. Measures aimed at meeting this demand include creating a framework for continued training and restructuring the education model for IT professions. The potential of information technologies to penetrate new fields of application makes it possible not only to offset job cuts in traditional areas of production, but also to positively effect the balance of employment in future markets. The Networks of Competence: Information Technology Û REGINA e.v. Û Page 58 Information Technology Aachen Û Virtual Work Environment Û Page 59 Û ViSEK Û Page 60 Virtual Software Engineering

60 58 Û Fields of Innovation Û Information Technology Û REGINA e.v. Information Technology Aachen Under the banner»cooperation is strength«, REGINA has been engaged successfully for more than ten years in strengthening the region s IT industry. REGINA e.v. Information Technology Aachen Pascalstrasse industrial estate Daria Dovern M.A. Geschäftsstelle des REGINA e.v. c/o RWTH Aachen Templergraben 55 D Aachen Tel.: +49 (0) 2 41 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 41 / REGINA is a combination of more than 90 Aachen-based companies, educational establishments and research institutes. Although competitors in some areas, the mainly small to medium-size enterprises which make up the network have embraced the concept of forming an alliance to bring mutual benefit to all its members. Many of the general tasks they face are dealt with through collaboration within REGINA, in order to prevent unnecessary repetition or duplication of work. Aachen as a high-tech region In the IT environment, REGINA members make a considerable contribution to securing Aachen s position as a hightech region. Most of them are innovative small to medium-size enterprises. Their activities fall into the following categories: Û communication, Û hardware, Û domain specific software, Û technical applications/automation, Û controlling/optimization, Û infrastructure, Internet, e-commerce, Û technology transfer, Û research and training. These companies include world market leaders in specialized sectors, such as AIXTRON (semiconductor technology), DSA (testing systems for the car industry), Parsytec (surface inspection systems) and CSB (sector software for the food industry). No innovation without research With research establishments such as Aachen University of Technology (RWTH), Aachen Polytechnic and the Juelich Research Center, as well as the major development laboratories of industrial companies, the Aachen region possesses a density of research and development which is almost unique in Europe. The IT sector is one of the most promising focal fields, with its interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching. REGINA is engaged in developing strong links between research and industry. The aim is to educate highly qualified young talent for employment in regional IT enterprises, so that expertise is rooted in the Aachen region in the long term. A few examples of the key areas of research pursued by institutions within REGINA: Aachen University (RWTH Aachen) Û development processes, Û software for communications systems, Û parallel systems, Û simulation in engineering applications, Û virtual reality. Research Center Jülich Û high-power computing, Û solid-state physics. Aachen Polytechnic Û installation and operation of data networks, Û security in data networks, Û databases. Cooperation within the region and beyond The opportunity to exchange experience and to establish contacts offers many advantages to all concerned. The close cooperation with the regional group of Gesellschaft für Informatik, the Dutch partner organization REGITEL and the Forum Informatik of Aachen University (RWTH Aachen) contributes to this process.

61 Û Fields of Innovation Û Information Technology Û Virtual Work Environment 59 The digital future becomes reality in Darmstadt/Starkenburg Virtual Work Environment The demands on working systems are constantly undergoing change: the fast and secure exchange of large amounts of information, made available at any time and at any place, is now a basic requirement for the efficiency of the economy and society. This modern information and telecommunication technology lies at the center of the Virtual Work Environment Competence Network, based in Darmstadt/Starkenburg. The sustainable, user-friendly design of the work environment is based primarily on the users needs and the security of data transmission. The globalization of competition has made international cooperation more important. At the same time, more complex tasks increasingly call for interdisciplinary project work. IT-based teamwork, characterized by a high level of diversity, flexibility and vitality, will become the predominant form of work. The need to create a teamwork environment for flexible, mobile, and spatially dispersed project teams and virtual organizations will lead to the creation of new forms of collaboration among people in different places. In the future, people from different organizations spread all over the world will be able to work together and share documents in virtual project offices or even virtual companies. Innovative hardware and software is being created to link the real world with the virtual world. For example, computers will be integrated into furniture, the home, vehicles, and clothing. Intelligent systems and new methods of interaction between humans and technology are being developed such as advanced input systems controlled by speech or gesture. The vision is of a completely digitized world, in which computers are user-friendly and omnipresent, but invisible. Within this network, leading international research institutes in the information technology (IT) sector and powerful IT businesses have created a platform for a constant exchange of information and project collaboration. The partners in this network come from different links in the value-added chain, from the underlying information and telecommunication technology to useroriented applications and the implementation of scientific research findings in industry. The technology transfer partners create the necessary innovationfriendly environment that allows the network to evolve. The objective of this network is to consolidate existing know-how and thereby expand the knowledge base. Through the exchange between industry and science, R&D activities are aligned with the needs of industry and society. Fields of application for this network of competence include product development, process simulation, medicine and also e-retailing and e-training. Ambient intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, virtual engineering, wearable computing, public key infrastructure, smart card technology, trusted signature terminal these are only a few of the technologies of the future being transformed into reality by the Competence Network Virtual Work Environment. Overview of the network s areas of competence: Û design of virtual work surfaces and workspaces Û control of business processes / e-business/e-marketing / tele-engineering/m-commerce / teleworking, etc. Û e-education / computer-basedtraining Û network security technology Û telecommunications technology IHK Darmstadt Dr. Roland Lentz Rheinstrasse 89 D Darmstadt Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) /

62 60 Û Fields of Innovation Û Information Technology Û ViSEK Virtual Software Engineering Competence Center ViSEK provides fast and simple access to the latest and most appropriate methods for developing software according to engineering principles. ViSEK Virtual Software Engineering Competence Center The ViSEK community provides solutions in all aspects of software engineering. Information technology plays a central role in today s competitive business world. Nearly every company relies on the proper functioning of its software. Software products are developed in highly complex processes. In order to satisfy the continually increasing demands for quality improvement and cost reduction of these processes, a systematic approach an engineering approach is needed. The virtual Software Engineering Competence Center ViSEK addresses the needs of thousands of companies that are asked to engineer increasingly complex software in an effective manner. In May 2001, eight research organizations began to integrate and process their knowledge in this field in an electronic knowledge base: Û Software-Systems Engineering Group, BTU Cottbus Û Fraunhofer FIRST, Berlin Û Fraunhofer FIT, St. Augustin Û Fraunhofer IESE, Kaiserslautern Û Fraunhofer IITB, Karlsruhe Û Fraunhofer ISST, Berlin Û OFFIS, Oldenburg Û Software and Systems Engineering Group, TU Munich ViSEK works together with national associations such as BITKOM, VDI, or VDMA, with local interest groups comprised of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as with universities. Cooperation includes an exchange of experience via the ViSEK portal, presentations and workshops, and project collaboration. The competence center is an open community, allowing anyone to participate and contribute. In its knowledge base, ViSEK provides know-how and experience that is both generic and specific to application domains. Contact information is provided to experts on documented technologies. In addition, a yellow page directory that provides competence profiles is currently being developed. ViSEK is initially focusing on two domains: critical systems and e-business. Critical systems address mission-critical, safety-critical, or business-critical systems. E-business addresses all Net-enabled software developments that support relationships and processes between business partners. The project is well on track to becoming the prime address for German industrial companies looking for solutions to their software development problems. The fast and simple access via the Internet specifically enables small and mediumsized companies to benefit from stateof-the-art software methodology and provides them with an easy path towards establishing contact with experts in the field. ViSEK is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and is due to receive a total of 7.18 million Euros during its build-up phase from 2001 to Û ViSEK internet portal Fraunhofer IESE ViSEK Projektbüro Ralf Kalmar Sauerwiesen 6 D Kaiserslautern Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) / The ViSEK portal at provides the infrastructure for the documentation of knowhow, for sharing experience, and for a central point of contact within the community. It features a built-in authoring environment linked to a knowledge database on software engineering. Several thousand people visit the portal each month. Homepage of the ViSEK portal at

63 Û Fields of Innovation Û Maritime Technologies 61 Maritime Technologies K.E.R.N. Marine Technology Schleswig-Holstein Research and development are of fundamental importance to the German shipbuilding industry, because only through technological leadership can contracts be acquired in the face of competition from the Far East. Research is an essential product development step in the various branches of marine and maritime engineering. Cooperation between research institutes and industry is supported by the Association for Marine Technologies (GMT) and the Center for Maritime Technology (CMT). German shipyards produce a wide range of specialized vessels, including container and passenger ships, ferries, roll-on/roll-off ships and special tankers. In naval shipbuilding, German shipyards occupy a leading position in the area of defensive weapons. Marine technology will experience solid growth in the coming years, particularly in Germany. A very high potential for growth exists in the areas of hydrography, aquaculture, offshore wind farms and the disposal of maritime facilities and disused offshore platforms. German shipyards provide vocational training in a wide range of occupations, and are the main providers of training opportunities in their respective regions. Seven universities and colleges in Germany supply new generations of engineers to the shipbuilding industry. Courses in marine technology are offered chiefly at the Universities of Kiel, Hamburg, Bremen, Rostock, Berlin, Hanover and Brunswick. The Networks of Competence: Maritime Technologies Û Marine Technology Û Page 62 Schleswig-Holstein

64 62 Û Fields of Innovation Û Maritime Technologies Û Marine Technology Schleswig-Holstein Marine Technology Schleswig-Holstein schiff-gmbh Margitta Matthies Kaiserstrasse 4 D Kiel Tel.: +49 (0) 4 31 / Fax: +49 (0) 4 31 / The marine technology Competence Network Schleswig-Holstein consolidates the regional know-how and resources of companies, scientific institutions as well as organizations for business and technologic development in the area of marine technology in Schleswig-Holstein. Marine technology is an important area of the maritime economy and covers a broad range of products, services and research projects in aquaculture, hydrography, offshore wind energy, oceanography/ocean technology, maritime environmental protection, coastal engineering/integrated coastal zone management, as well as offshore and underwater technology. The particular skills of the network lie in its internationally recognized resources and capabilities in science and research as well as a broad palette of innovative and marine technology products and services sold worldwide, which are offered by small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large corporations. The goal of the network is to link existing resources in a better and more permanent manner. In its approach to government, society and the public, the network seeks to reveal the opportunities and perspectives for marine technology and the maritime economy as an industry with high technological potential. It aims to demonstrate that the economic significance of this potential is comparable to that of the aerospace industry. It is additionally intended that collaborative marine technical projects be conceptualized and realized through the involvement of a larger number of network partners. Competence in numbers The competence network Marine Technology Schleswig-Holstein provides a broad range of products, services and research projects in different marine and ocean technology sectors. The total turnover generated by the competence network in 2000 is estimated at somewhere between 200 and 250 million Euros. This is based on the strategy document published by the Association for Marine Technologies in August 2001, as well as their own extensive inquiries and a survey of network members. Network partners The participants in this competence network include companies, scientific institutions and other organizations that promote technological and economic development and give financial support in the area of marine technology. The scientific background of the competence network is given an excellent foundation through its members, including internationally renowned institutes of marine research, the GEOMAR research center for marine geosciences, and a number of other research institutes of the University of Kiel. In addition to renowned shipyards such as HDW and Lindenau, and ship suppliers such as Raytheon Marine GmbH and L-3 ELAC Nautik, who maintain a strong international focus, the competence network also includes a considerable number of smaller marine technology enterprises providing a broad range of innovative products and services.

65 Û Fields of Innovation Û Materials Science 63 Materials Science Brunswick RIKO Construction Materials from Renewable Resources Measurement of the electrical characteristics of new solid oxide fuel cells Siemens AG Aachen Plastics Innovation Aachen SimPRO Process Simulation Aachen Karlsruhe LOOP Sustainable Products and Processes Frankfurt Rhine Main Center for Materials Modeling Halle Merseburg Cyclability of Materials Merseburg Many of the significant developments of the past few decades would not have been possible without the advent of new materials and their associated applications. And new materials will continue to play a key role in the future: It is anticipated that they will provide the basis for the majority of product and process innovations over the next twenty or thirty years. The manufacturing industry devotes approximately 50 percent of its overall expenditure to materials and their processing and transportation. But these high material costs also harbor an enormous potential for effecting reductions in the consumption of raw materials and energy, as well as reducing pollutant emissions. SimBAU Freiburg Furthermore, innovative material developments are often a prerequisite for the production and market success of technical systems. The financial benefits of materials innovations are therefore greatest when they enable new products to tap new markets. Materials science is interdisciplinary by nature. Whereas, today, the field is still dominated by teams consisting of graduates of separate disciplines such as physics, chemistry and engineering, the establishment of materials science as a distinct degree subject at universities and colleges over the coming years will foster its growth as an independent profession, representing the convergence of various branches of science in one specialist. The Networks of Competence: Materials Science Û Center for Û Page 64 Materials Modeling Û Cyclability of Materials Û Page 65 Merseburg Û LOOP Û Page 66 Sustainable Products and Processes Û Plastics Innovation Aachen Û Page 67 Û RIKO Construction Û Page 68 Materials from Renewable Resources Û SimBAU Û Page 69 Û SimPro Process Û Page 70 Simulation Aachen

66 64 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û Center for Materials Modeling Center of Excellence for Materials Modeling: Approaches to computer-aided materials design Center for Materials Modeling The Center of Excellence for Materials Modeling was established in spring 2000 to develop novel techniques for the computer simulation of advanced materials and to transfer these methods into industrial research and development (R&D). The purpose of computer simulations is to predict the physical properties of new ceramic and polymeric materials and glasses, and to allow a better understanding of many materials properties. The center is coordinated by the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany. Other collaborating organizations include research groups at the physics department of the University of Mainz, at the Swiss Center for Scientific Computing of the ETH Zurich in Manno/Switzerland, and at the Research Laboratory Juelich. Technology transfer into industrial R&D is achieved through the cooperation of the individual research groups with industrial enterprises. This includes establishing posts for highly qualified young scientists at the participating institutes. The center openly welcomes new industrial partners in mutual consensus with already participating enterprises. The goals of the Center of Excellence for Materials Modeling are Û to develop new approaches to materials simulation, Û to design software for that purpose, Û to apply this software to problems of technological relevance, Û and to transfer the acquired knowledge into industrial R&D. This is to be achieved through Û bilateral cooperation between groups at the participating research institutes and industrial enterprises, Û the development of a generally applicable pool of methods, Û and by sharing information during meetings of the collaborating organizations. Visualizing the results of computer simulations helps to gain a better understanding of the molecular origin of materials properties. The picture shows the adsorption of an organic molecule on a cellulose surface. Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung Theory Group Dr. Gerhard Besold Ackermannweg 10 D Mainz Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) /

67 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û Cyclability of Materials Merseburg 65 Closed-loop approach to current requirements for material research in the fields of material sciences and economic and ecological development Cyclability of Materials Merseburg The closed-loop model plays an important role in current discussions on sustainable development. This interdisciplinary multi-faceted concept involves an analysis and evaluation of material recyclability that enables companies to more efficiently manage their ecological and economic resources. These companies make use of tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and other technological methods to ensure their success in the face of strong competition and rising costs. The Cyclability of Materials demonstration center, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, was established to apply an interdisciplinary approach towards improving the cyclability of polymers and composites, conducting research and development projects, and providing consulting services to manufacturers and processors of polymers and user industries. The center s other assignments include assessment of the economic and ecological aspects of recyclability, compiling recommendations on material selection and optimization, adapting design and component construction methods for recycling, and opening up new fields of application for recycled materials. The center is also tasked with conducting training programs and workshops, as well as presenting demonstrations on material recyclability. The Cyclability of Materials demonstration center brings together scientific and technological know-how from three organizations located in the Land of Saxony-Anhalt: the Institute for Polymeric Materials in Merseburg, the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials in Halle, and the economics faculty of the Corporate Environmental Management department, Institute for Business Administration at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. It encompasses all fields of material research. Potential research and service applications include chemical modification and synthesis, compounding and injection molding, mechanical and morphological testing, modeling of mechanical behavior of solid and liquid materials, and economical and ecological evaluation of materials and processes. Û Tire Recycling Germany produces 600,000 tons of used tires every year. Recycling the discarded material presents a formidable ecological and thus economic challenge. In addition to generating organic gases and oil, almost 30% carbon black (Formex carbon black ) can be derived from tire recycling using low-temperature pyrolysis. This has the same properties as semi-active carbon black derived from mineral oil. Processing and material properties of the product in various vulcanized rubbers were tested in cooperation with abf GmbH (www.abf-engineering.de). Demonstrationszentrum Kreislauffähigkeit von Werkstoffen Institut für Polymerwerkstoffe e.v. Geusaer Strasse, Gebäude 131, Raum 208 D Merseburg Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) /

68 66 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û LOOP Sustainable Products and Processes LOOP Center of Excellence for Sustainable Products and Processes LOOP Sustainable Products and Processes Bromine recovery from flame retardants Center of Excellence for Sustainable Products and Processes LOOP Material selection, material development and product development must in future be optimally coordinated in accordance with the principles of conducting business in a closed-loop economy. The Center of Excellence for Sustainable Products and Processes LOOP seeks to formulate concepts for such a closed-loop materials economy, as well as to develop, test and assess new materials and composites in terms of their recyclability. The center mainly focuses on solving specific problems for small and mediumsize companies. It pools specialist and interdisciplinary expertise relating to the recyclability of materials and serves as a communication platform. Its formation by the Institute for Industrial Production of Karlsruhe University, the Institute for Polymer Testing and Polymer Science of Stuttgart University and the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (Pfinztal), ensures that the center can provide competent answers on economic, ecological and technical issues. The network addresses relevant technical, economic and ecological issues of materials recycling and ensures that the results achieved are quickly transferred into industrial practice. Work focuses on the needs of industry (currently more than 100 partners) and can be categorized into the following fields: Û providing advice for the development, processing and recycling of new materials in a closed-loop economy Û development of manufacturing, processing and recycling concepts for new materials and the products manufactured from them, with particular importance being attached to recyclability Û software-based balancing and assessment of the manufacturing, processing and recycling methods Û economic evaluation Û PET recyclate raw material for technical products Center of Excellence for Sustainable Products and Processes LOOP c/o Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology Dr. Thomas Hirth Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Strasse 7 D Pfinztal-Berghausen Tel.: +49 (0) 721 / Fax: +49 (0) 721 / PET plastic is gaining an increasingly important share of the market for drinks packaging, also in Germany. After they have been used, the drinks bottles are processed at high cost to produce a raw plastic for the manufacture of new drinks packaging. Direct processing of the roughly cleaned and processed PET recyclates, to make high-value technical products, presents an alternative to this bottle-to-bottle recycling. At the LOOP demonstration center initial tests have been conducted on the processing of PET recyclates to produce a material reinforced with long glass fibers. The material characteristics obtained so far reveal high potential for the use of PET recyclates in technical products.

69 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û Plastics Innovation Aachen 67 The Plastics Innovation Center Aachen addresses most aspects of plastics processing technology Plastics Innovation Aachen The Institute for Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University, which provided the starting point for the Plastics Innovation Center Aachen, was established over 50 years ago. For many years now it has ranked among the leading international research institutes in the field of plastics technology. The activities pursued by the IKV and the Plastics Innovation Center Aachen are geared to the current needs of industry and embrace most aspects of plastics processing technology. Research at the Institute concentrates on processing technology for thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and fiber-reinforced plastics. The applicationoriented work focuses on the improvement of machinery and plant, the design of molds and molded parts, and the optimization of processes. Quality assurance, environmental protection and recycling represent further key areas of research. The IKV is engaged in an ongoing exchange with INTRA, an association of approx. 20 companies in and around Aachen. These firms operate successfully in interesting market segments, with exports accounting for almost 50 percent of business. They offer a full range of plastic processing services, from development, design and production to seamless project planning, across all materials and processing methods. Scientific establishments and commercial enterprises provide a platform of training and development which provides young people with relevant skills, as well as qualified engineers and experienced personnel with the ability and ambition to start their own businesses. Simulation of the molding process for a car front module produced by reaction injection molding. A comparison of the simulated flow front advance and short shots clearly highlights the potential of these simulation calculations. Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann Pontstrasse 49 D Aachen Tel.: +49 (0) 2 41 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 41 /

70 68 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û RIKO Construction Materials from Renewable Resources RIKO - Construction Materials from Renewable Resources RIKO (Realization of Innovative Construction Materials from Renewable Resources) supports the development and marketing of biocomposites and offers concrete approaches for a sustainable economy RIKO Realization of Innovative Construction Materials from Renewable Resources Dr. Andreas Baar Henning Wichmann Abelnkarre 2 a D Braunschweig Tel.: +49 (0) 531 / Fax: +49 (0) 531 / Fiber-reinforced construction materials made from renewable resources are new materials which take their constructive model from nature. They have applications wherever the advantages of natural wood can be combined with the advantages of plastic products. These include the furniture, sports and leisure industries, automotive manufacture and rail stock construction. Their potential for application is still largely untapped. On the basis of a holistic market approach initiated in 1996 by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry in the State of Lower Saxony RIKO was established as a competence center for fiber-reinforced construction materials made from renewable resources. RIKO s core task is the successful transfer of the latest existing knowledge into the market with the aim of encouraging developments and releasing market potential. Furthermore, RIKO actively stimulates collaborative projects with the aim of bringing innovative ideas to fruition in marketable products based on fiber-reinforced construction materials from renewable resources. Partners with particularly promising developments and product ideas are also supported by RIKO in the preparation and submission of project applications. Other activities include wide-ranging Û public relations work and targeted marketing measures. RIKO also organizes specialist events to discuss various aspects of the subject. Performance profile In a network comprising more than 1,300 partners in over 600 companies, natural-fiber composites are developed through to application. These composites possess high innovation potential and reveal tangible approaches in support of sustainable industrial practices. Their range of possible uses is similar to that of glass-fiber-reinforced plastics at significantly lower weight, resulting in economic and ecological advantages. RIKO welcomes new national and international partners. Selected network partners: Research and development: German Aerospace Research Center, Institute of Structural Mechanics Manufacturers: ALSTOM LHB GmbH, Cognis Deutschland GmbH, DST Dräxlmaier Systemtechnik GmbH, INVENT GmbH, Schuberth Helme GmbH Technology transfer and economic development: State Chamber of Commerce, The New Materials Association of Lower Saxony (NMN e.v.), Promoting research: The Agency of Renewable Resources (FNR e.v.). Interior fittings made of renewable resources ALSTOM LHB is using construction materials made of renewable resources for the first time in a series production of railway vehicles for the Hamburger Hochbahn AG. Key advantages: Û use of renewable resources and up to 30% lower weight Û passenger safety increased through reduced risk of injury from sharp edges, while retaining Û use of conventional tools and same product utility Û fulfillment of specifications (in particular fire protection) Underground train seat panel made of renewable resources. ALSTOM LHB

71 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û SimBAU 69 SimBAU The SimBAU competence center focuses on the simulation and behavior of components and combines activities in the field of numerical simulations conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg and Halle, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Materials Research IFAM in Bremen. As an active member of the working group dealing with»simulation in process and product development«, SimBAU has acquired a broad range of knowledge and experience in relevant applied research. Through its close links to the Fraunhofer IWM, SimBAU offers considerable expertise in material-related aspects of simulation. IWM has played a leading role in the development of material models which can cope with the complexity of realistic loading situations. Based on a well established interplay of experimental techniques and theoretical modeling, IWM has developed and advanced macroscopic material models. Their applicability rests on microstructural observations and on precise measurements of the model parameters. The exceptional wide-ranging experimental capabilities of the IWM, in particular, form a solid basis for SimBAU s role of providing valid assessments of component behavior. The SimBAU competence center acts as a partner to industry on issues related to the application of simulation techniques. Joint analysis carried out with industrial partners serves as the basis for SimBAU s development of tailor-made simulation solutions which contribute to reduced development times and costs. Industrial partners are presented with new concepts to speed up innovation cycles, thereby improving their ranking in the global market. Initial consultation to new partners is provided free of charge. In the interests of advancing the comprehensive networking of miscellaneous research activities in this field, SimBAU supports the work of other competence centers engaged in materials modeling and process simulation. Û Modeling of the Virtual Exhaust Lab Up to now, development work on exhaust components subject to high thermal loadings has usually been based on complex and costly component testing. Now, in cooperation with BMW Automobile Group, IWM/SimBAU has developed a procedure capable of predicting the service life of components based on numerical simulation. The ultimate goal here is to establish a»virtual Exhaust Lab«, providing the design engineer with a tool to investigate the service life of components at an early stage of development and thereby reduce the number of component tests required. The release of a part for series production still depends on the experimental testing of all structural components. The BMW3.0 liter manifold on the six-cylinder series engine, designed in 2000, can be cited as an example. The exhaust manifold is manufactured from thin high-grade steel sheet. The load during operation includes mechanical stresses and fluctuations in temperature of up to 800 C. Due to these excessive thermo-mechanical loading conditions, inadequate design could result in crack initiation and necessitate a replacement well before the end of the expected service life of the component. The new procedure will help save time by obviating the need for comprehensive experimental component testing. This shortens the development phase for new car engines. The practical utility of the Virtual Exhaust Lab has been tested and approved within BMW. Dr. Holger Brehm Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoffmechanik Wöhlerstrasse 11 D Freiburg Tel.: +49 (0) 761/ Fax: +49 (0) 761/

72 70 Û Fields of Innovation Û Material science Û SimPRO Process Simulation Aachen Boosting the use of engineering materials: Aachen s excellence in materials technology is strategically flanked by the application of modern process simulation tools. SimPRO Process Simulation Aachen Fine casting simulation of a camera housing Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung in Industrie und Handwerk an der RWTH Aachen SimPRO-Geschäftsstelle Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Franz Pontstrasse 49 D Aachen Tel.: +49 (0) 241 / Fax: +49 (0) 241 / The key to high-performance products often lies in the proper choice and processing of the materials employed. This is an issue of which the end-customer is often not aware, but it nevertheless has an immense influence on the properties of the final product. In many cases, high-end materials specifically developed for the particular application are employed, despite a lack of detailed knowledge about their behavior. Under these circumstances, process simulation offers the right approach to predict a material s behavior through appropriate calculations. Aachen s National Center of Excellence for Process Simulation (SimPRO) is one of the first ports of call whenever the production process parameters interact directly with the product s properties through the material. Teaming up with experience Nine scientific institutes at RWTH Aachen University have joined forces in the Center of Excellence»SimPRO«, which is funded by a grant from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the MSWF-NRW (Ministry of Education, Science and Research of North Rhine-Westphalia). These include: ACCESS e.v. (metal casting), IBF (metal forming), IEHK (ferrous metallurgy), IKKM (ceramics), IKV (plastics processing), LLT (laser technology), IMM (physical metallurgy and metal physics), ISF (welding technology), WW (materials science, surface technology). The center s nine participants have already been working closely together since the late 1980s in the Materials Forum of RWTH Aachen University, in which more than 30 institutions have been cooperating on general projects not related to specific materials. The Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) has assumed the role of general coordinator and has set up a liaison office for materials technology to serve as a single entry point for requests from industry related to the simulation of materials processing. The interdisciplinary team has considerable know-how in process simulation for metals, plastics and ceramics. Efficient use of the synergies between the institutes specific disciplines creates a wide platform for advances in forming, converting and microstructure simulation. It also provides scope for the reliable simulation of subsequent process steps such as welding, joining, cutting, sintering, and surface treatment. The need of process simulation expertise is not limited to cutting-edge applications. Even state-of-the-art processes used in industrial manufacturing can be improved by means of validated and accurate simulation tools. These capabilities are directly transferred to private enterprise, preferably SMEs, within the scope of collaborative ventures or bilateral research and development projects. Aiming at industrial transfer The aims of the National Center of Excellence for Process Simulation can be summed up as follows: Û comprehensive simulation of process steps and change of properties from the raw material to the final product Û development, application and verification of simulation software in close cooperation with industry and in accordance with its needs Û development and improvement of material models for different materials Û targeted use of commercial software for problem analysis in the development of processes and materials Û increased acceptance of process simulation in the materials processing industry through efficient problem-solving

73 Û Fields of Innovation Û Mechatronics 71 Mechatronics Stuttgart Mechatronics Göppingen FESTO Mechatronics, the symbiosis of mechanics, electronics and informatics an opportunity and a challenge for innovative companies. Technology products are growing in complexity, even as they become more reliable and flexible, and markets dictate ever shorter innovation cycles. This necessitates a fresh approach in interaction between mechanical systems, electronics and computer science: mechatronics. Mechatronics is engineering, it is innovation through allencompassing state-of-the art approaches. Mechatronics means boosting functionality by merging mechanical, electronic and information subsystems, while striving for miniaturization. Mechatronics generates synergy through holistic solutions and advances evolution through modular concepts. Mechatronics leads to economy by reducing costs and shortening development cycles: faster time-to-market. Highest priority is accorded to economic efficiency, achieved through optimized technologies and processes which enhance usefulness to the consumer. This calls for concurrent and collaborative development. Mechatronics is omnipresent, encountered in almost all technical products we come across in our daily lives: in manufacturing processes, in cars, in the home, and in leisure activities. The Networks of Competence: Mechatronics Û Mechatronics Göppingen Û Page 72

74 72 Û Fields of Innovation Û Mechatronics Û Mechatronics Göppingen Mechatronics: The symbiosis of mechanics, electronics and informatics serving intelligent and technologically advanced product innovation Mechatronics Göppingen The Mechatronics Competence Network is a growing alliance of currently around 50 high-performance partners in industry, the services sector, research and education. The thematic focus is mechatronics the interaction of mechanics, electronics and informatics. Through our efforts to pool and network the exceptional capabilities in mechatronics existing in the Stuttgart region, we aim to make mechatronics and its potential better known. Our purpose is to serve as a communication platform and an attractive source of research for companies based in Germany and beyond who seek information and cooperation. Û automotive engineering Û automation Û mechanical engineering Û actuators and sensors Û medical engineering Û communications technology Û domestic appliances and installations Our all-encompassing approach allows us to provide solutions for components, assemblies and subsystems in the face of greater miniaturization, higher packaging densities and the increased complexity of logic and data-flow management. Our industrial relationship network of world-ranking companies (Märklin, Schuler, Ex-Cell-O, Allgaier along with their suppliers of hardware and software, construction engineering and project planning for more details see our website) includes further highperformance partners from the services sector, research and education, and regional agencies, such as: Competence Network Mechatronics Goeppingen e.v. Dipl.-Ing. Hans Strauss Steinbeisstrasse 12 D Göppingen Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) / Mechatronics an idea takes hold Solving problems is our strength. The products made by our partners are increasingly complex, even as they become more reliable and versatile, and innovation cycles dictated by the market grow shorter. This calls for concurrent and collaborative development. It also creates the opportunity to produce, adapt and refine successful solutions for new applications based on detailed knowledge. Our expertise in mechatronics is becoming visible in almost all areas of application in everyday operations: Û universities Û educational establishments Û transfer centers Û research institutes Û chambers of industry and commerce Û economic development agencies These organizations may work as thinktanks and idea providers, or conduct basic research in new areas of technology, or may act as contacts. Our services aim to boost efficacy. We support SMEs, promote new business start-ups and create contacts. Finally, we link together the partners and their competencies in individual projects or on a permanent basis through new approaches and ideas. The universities and other educational establishments, in cooperation with a number of partner companies, offer Mechatronics plus as a course of study. Research efforts focus on new areas of application and application-oriented solutions, with equal emphasis on basic research.

76 74 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û HörTech Hearing Aid Technology Oldenburg The HörTech Center of Competence aims to achieve comprehensive and lasting improvements in the system engineering of hearing-aid devices. HörTech Hearing Aid Technology Oldenburg HörTech ggmbh was founded in November 2001 as the competence network s head organization, with close ties to the university. The company HörTech originated as one of 8 project plans that were selected by an international jury as winners of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research competition»centers of Competence in medical engineering«in the year The aim of the company is to promote research and science, to generate new knowledge and to develop new methods in system engineering of hearing devices through a center of competence in which industrial companies as well as universities and research facilities participate. All participants may be active in joint or single (even confidential) projects in order to develop or further develop system engineering for hearing devices or related products. In addition, HörTech develops and markets products based on the results of work in these projects. Significant changes are taking place in the global market for hearing devices, which is undergoing a process of consolidation. Despite the transfer of knowledge from research organizations to the manufacturing companies, the main problems of hearing devices have not yet been satisfactorily resolved. National distributors compete for patients who often have to bear considerable additional costs over and above the (regulated) standard charge items reimbursed under their health insurance policies. Health insurance companies have yet to agree on a uniform policy with regard to ongoing changes in the market. The overall result is a situation that is extremely frustrating to all parties concerned, and most especially the patients. This (in addition to other factors) leads to a low acceptance of the»hearing aid«. HörTech ggmbh is a platform that creates a non-competitive, collaborative environment for joint research projects and thus provides the only currently available structure where all parties involved can work together to find solutions to common technical problems. Useful and desirable products are developed, including improved devices and engineering methods, signal processing algorithms, fitting requirements, etc. This capacity for integration, focused on the creation of useful products, is one of the chief and most important characteristics of work carried out by HörTech. Kompetenzzentrum HörTech ggmbh c/o Haus des Hörens Prof. Dr. Dr. Birger Kollmeier (Head of Center of Competence) Stephan Albani (Chief Executive Officer) Dr. Thomas Wittkop (Product development and sales) Marie-Curie-Strasse 2 D Oldenburg Tel.: +49 (0) 4 41 / Fax: +49 (0) 4 41 / Û Audiological and phoniatric measurements The Oldenburger Messprogramme für die Audiologie/Phoniatrie, consisting of software for audiological and phoniatric measurements, provides a means of automating advanced techniques employed in hearing diagnostics and hearing-aid fitting, such as categorical loudness scaling and the Oldenburg sentence test.

77 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û Medical Engineering Ruhr 75 The principal domain of KMR s activities lies in medical ultrasound with an emphasis on image-based tissue characterization, including elastography and multimodality concepts Medical Engineering Ruhr The Ruhr Centre of Competence for Medical Engineering (Kompetenzzentrum Medizintechnik Ruhr: KMR) in Bochum is synonymous with»competence in ultrasound«. In the startup phase, our main focus is on diagnostic applications of ultrasound. Our medical and engineering expertise is represented by around 30 partners, from research and development, enterprises and hospitals. These partners include 9 institutes and hospitals of the Ruhr University in Bochum, the Institute for Microtherapy of the University of Witten/Herdecke, BG Unfallklinik Murnau, Schering AG, Siemens AG, ZN Vision Technologies AG, LP-IT Innovative Technologies GmbH, and Taberna pro medicum GmbH. Further partners come from the fields of healthcare, new venture counseling and finance (rubitec GmbH, BioMedTec Ruhr e.v.). Through the combined strengths of these partners, we can guarantee a comprehensive service encompassing all aspects of medical ultrasound expertise, the healthcare market, and the legal aspects of product design and production in the field of medical engineering. This ensures the most efficient utilization of the whole»value creation chain«, from research and development, production, marketing, through to implementation, for all products in the wide scope of medical engineering. The engineering and medical profile of the KMR is characterized by the topics and projects of diagnostic imaging in medicine. The main focus lies on imagebased tissue diagnosis using ultrasound and multimodal non-ionizing methods for the diagnosis of cancer and vascular diseases, and their application in surgical navigation (3 topics: cancer, vascular, navigation). In addition to high-frequency sonography, there is a strong emphasis on real-time strain imaging and elastography in Bochum. These methods can be used as a complement to»standard«ultrasound imaging to visualize tissue rigidification (tumors, plaques, etc.). Furthermore, we intend to use our know-how in the field of computer vision to develop novel concepts for real-time ultrasound imaging, particularly applied to moving and morphologically changing objects. The fundamental aim is to improve and combine the existing methods and systems, and to make them more reliable in terms of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity). Moreover, rather than engaging in long-term research, we prefer to tackle more immediate goals to provide help to the present generation in the early detection of major diseases like cancer and arteriosclerosis and to supply treatment monitoring tools. Initial clinical results in such areas as the early diagnosis of prostate cancer and the diagnosis of skin cancer hold great promise for further success. These positive results also open up new prospects for successful know-how transfer and new product design techniques, with corresponding potential for market success. Portfolio Our R&D projects in medical engineering aim to reach the following targets: Û increased accuracy and validity of ultrasound imaging Û development of novel imaging concepts utilizing high-frequency ultra sound, elastography, and computer vision tools Û combination of ultrasound with other non-ionizing methods Û development of new applications based on morphological, functional and histological ultrasound imaging Medical applications are envisaged in: imaging-based tissue diagnosis (e.g. skin cancer, prostate cancer); vascular imaging diagnostics and therapy (e.g. arteriosclerosis); intravascular ultrasound diagnostics; computer vision; surgical navigation. Real-time elastography of a prostate cancer Prof. Dr.-Ing. Helmut Ermert Ruhr-Universität Bochum Lehrstuhl für Hochfrequenztechnik Building ic6/132 Universitätsstrasse 150 D Bochum Tel.: +49 (0) 2 34 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 34 /

78 76 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û Medical Technology Aachen Aachen Centre of Competence for Medical Technology: hub for Competence Mediation and Innovation in Medical Technology Medical Technology Aachen Aachen Centre of Competence for Medical Technology AKM Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmitz-Rode (Spokesman) Dr. Robert Farkas (Coordinator) Technologiezentrum am Europaplatz D Aachen Tel.: +49 (0) 2 41 / Fax: +49 (0) 2 41 / In 2000, the Aachen Centre of Competence for Medical Technology (AKM) was founded by members of the Aachen research and development community and industry. Its main objective is to speed up the development and implementation of miniature medical devices. Using its contact network, the AKM is able to bring together the interdisciplinary expertise and capacities that are needed to turn a good idea into a successful miniaturized medical product. Fulfilling a number of different tasks, we act as a hub for competence mediation and innovation: evaluation of new project ideas, management of medical device development projects, consulting services in technology foresight, market research, support in funding/financing, intellectual property rights and marketing, information brokerage and partnering. Our work also includes the organization of workshops and seminars on topics such as risk management, legislation pertaining to medical products, quality management and FDA approval. From the outset, the AKM has held responsibility for coordinating six innovative projects in the fields of cardiovascular and tissue therapy and the relevant quality management. The project partners include leading scientists from the RWTH Aachen University, the Aachen University hospital, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Laser Technology and for Production Technology, as well as medical technology companies in the Aachen region. Key projects range from small but highly efficient blood pumps up to testing/developing various designs of complete artificial hearts. The first prototypes have already been clinically tested. A related field of application is represented by even smaller models of the rotary pumps which are inserted via catheters and unfold in the body. Miniature systems for the selective correction of cardiac arrhythmias, micro-sensors to optimize the stitch tension of surgical sutures and the laserassisted connection of small cavities or tubes are also currently being developed by the AKM partners. All of these projects involve close collaboration between science and industry. In view of the huge potential inherent in the field of medical technology and the ideal working conditions in Aachen, the success of the AKM concept is almost certain, given the positive results already achieved. It was one of the winners of a competition organized by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is now funded by the Ministry as a Centre of Competence. On three occasions, AKM-evaluated new project ideas have met with success in the national annual contest for innovations in medical technology. Together with various partners, AKM is currently compiling a study on the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology for the health care system in Germany. This foresight project will have an important impact on the future research and funding policy of the German government. The AKM is looking forward to setting up international cooperative ventures in the development of medical devices, and we intend to offer our services on the international market. Our future partners and customers stand to benefit from the strengths of an existing collaborative network specialized in the miniaturization of medical devices and from the expertise of our service unit. Successful solutions call for the combined efforts of engineers, medical doctors and scientists in many disciplines. As an innovation hub, AKM will coordinate their various inputs and bring together the expertise needed to turn good ideas into viable medical products.

79 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û Medical Technology Erlangen/Nuremberg 77 The concentration of R&D facilities, academic institutions, manufacturing industry and industrial clients has turned the region around Nuremberg, centered on Erlangen, into Germany s Medical Valley Medical Technology Erlangen/Nuremberg The Nuremberg Network of Competence was created to act as a hub for a wide spectrum of partners and contacts in the fields of medicine and medical technology, with the aim of providing information on state-of-the-art developments, dealing with suggestions and problems, and providing impetus to cooperation and innovative projects. More than 40 research institutions and hospital centers as well as numerous high-tech companies, all of international renown, are involved in the network s activities. They are supported by interfaces to innovation and business incubation centers, to consulting offices in the technology field and to technology transfer institutions. The high concentration of technology establishments throughout the region and the close cooperation of all network partners, combined with the consistent support of local government and chambers of commerce, have led to the emergence of an excellent infrastructure and an extraordinarily creative environment. The focus of the medical/medical-technology-related activities in the region lies in the field of»minimally invasive diagnosis and therapies«. These activities are supported by the development and production of innovative methods of imaging and image analysis using the full range of state-of-the-art technologies, including real-time image-guided surgery, modern ophthalmological technologies, and cardiovascular and bone implants. Û Powerref ii Plusoptix AG, founded 2001 in Nuremberg, has transformed ten years of research into a globally recognized product, the latest in a constant stream of innovations to emerge from the»medical Valley«: Their eye diagnosis system»powerref II«performs non-contact measurements on the human eye. Within seconds, it can furnish reliable data necessary for eye surgery. Visual defects such as myopia, hyperopia, cataracts or strabismus can be detected easily and safely. Competence Initiative»Medizin-Pharma-Gesundheit«Dr. Hartmut Heydrich Rathausplatz 1 D Erlangen Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) /

80 78 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û Medimplant Hanover Centre of Competence for Cardiovascular Implants Medimplant Hanover Cardiovascular animal laboratory for in vivo feasibility studies The Medimplant Centre of Competence serves as the interdisciplinary focus for the region s scientific and technical expertise in the field of therapeutic cardiovascular implants. It thus enhances the organizational, scientific and technological infrastructure to support the rapid, innovative, demand-oriented development of implants. This newly established Centre of Competence concentrates on therapeutic implants with an extended functional life, lower rejection rates and new standards of biocompatibility and efficacy. Specific product-oriented research and development projects are carried out in three main fields: 1. The development of partial or whole cardiovascular implants for arterial and venous vessels. 2. The development of partial or whole cardiovascular implants made of organic components using tissue engineering methods. 3. A broadly based, innovation-oriented evaluation of technologies used to develop cardiovascular implants. The Centre of Competence is setting up a system of independent working units: Û A cardiovascular animal laboratory for in-vivo feasibility studies, established in 2002, for use by the Centrer project groups and other interested users. Û A laboratory for biocompatibility assessments is planned. The long-term aim of the Centre of Competence, beyond the initial funding period, is to grow into a centre of science and technology in the field of medical implants. The founding institution includes the Hanover Medical School, cooperating partners are the Hanover Veterinarian College, the Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Erlangen, the Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rostock, among others. Its industrial partners are Biotronik/Berlin, Jotec/Hirrlingen, Devon-Medical/Hamburg, Nitinol Medical Technologies/Boston, USA and ARTISS/Hanover. Û Biodegradable Cardiovascular Stent Centre of Competence Cardiovascular Implants Hanover Medical School Dr. Sabine Barlach Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1 D Hannover Tel.: +49 (0) 5 11 / Fax: +49 (0) 5 11 / Biodegradable stent based on magnesium alloys To overcome the drawbacks of permanent cardiovascular implants, we develop biodegradable materials based on magnesium alloys with appropriate mechanical properties and clearly defined degradation properties. The biocompatibility of the materials is tested in vitro in cell culture and in vivo in coronary arteries of domestic pigs. Biodegradable stents based on Mg alloys, consisting mainly of components physiologically present in the human body, give promise to a new generation of implants in cardiovascular therapy.

81 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û Minimally Invasive Medicine 79 A network of science and industry to promote the development of technologies for use in minimally invasive medicine and to secure international competitiveness Minimally Invasive Medicine Minimally invasive medicine, as applied in almost all areas of surgery today, has undergone rapid progress and revolutionized the entire healthcare system over the last 15 years. The ability to perform operations on an outpatient basis is less stressful to the patient and reduces the occupation of hospital beds, thus leading to a considerable cost savings. Given the high acceptance of such practices on the part of the patients, we can expect considerable growth in demand over the next 10 years for such products as instrumentation and camera systems, imaging techniques, customized implants and microsystem components. A unique concentration of companies specialized in the manufacture and marketing of surgical instruments and medical technology has grown up over the past 130 years in Baden-Württemberg and especially in the Tuttlingen area. During the last 15 years, these mostly small and medium-sized enterprises have developed new products for applications in minimally invasive medicine and other areas. This development has been given considerable impetus by working groups at nearby universities and research centers. However, until now, there has been no systematic networking between partners in clinical medicine, industry and technical research. The center of competence To fill in this gap, the competence center for»minimally Invasive Medicine & Technology Tuebingen-Tuttlingen«was founded by Û the Tuebingen University Clinic Û the German Institute for Textile and Fiber Research in Stuttgart Û the University of Stuttgart Û the Karlsruhe Research Center Û the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce together with representatives of trade and industry and various institutes of technology and materials science. The network is currently composed of almost 50 companies, from newly formed startups through to large international corporations. The aim of this competence center is to merge existing experience and capabilities in the field of minimally invasive medicine and form an interdisciplinary network. Its dual objective is to alleviate the handicaps facing small and mediumsized firms and to provide an infrastructure for joint pre-competitive research and development. Projects and services During an initial phase of 3 years, funding is being provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the regional government of Baden-Wuerttemberg (MWK) for development work, applications research, clinical evaluation projects and the construction of the network infrastructure. Multifunctional systems, microendoscopy, manipulator systems and visualizing instruments are examples of the projects in progress. Permanent service points have been established in Tuebingen and Tuttlingen to provide the members of the network and other customers with a broad spectrum of services including: consulting on medical and technical issues, advice on legal questions, and searching for partners. Innovative concepts can be supported throughout all stages of development, from the initial idea, fund-raising and patent applications up to commercialization and the formation of a startup company, where appropriate. Kompetenzzentrum MITT e.v. Dr. Ludger Schnieder Schaffhausenstrasse 113 D Tübingen Center of minimally invasive medicine in the heart of Europe Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) /

82 80 Û Fields of Innovation Û Medical Engineering Û MOTIV Medical Engineering St.Ingbert/ Berlin Innovative projects and services for miniaturized monitoring and interventional systems MOTIV Medical Engineering St. Ingbert/Berlin The Competence Center for Miniaturized Monitoring and Interventional Systems MOTIV is a collaborative initiative of the Fraunhofer-Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT in St. Ingbert and the company Laser- und Medizin-Technologie GmbH (LMTB) in Berlin. MOTIV serves to pool interdisciplinary know-how and existing technical and clinical resources for research, development, production and approval of miniaturized monitoring and interventional systems in Germany, and to provide a basis for applicationoriented research in this field, resulting in marketable products. MOTIV supports technological R&D in three focal fields: Û therapy/therapy control Û out-patient monitoring Û microimplants and endosystems. Miniaturization techniques play an equally important role in all three focal fields. The services offered in each field include the initiation and implementation of R&D projects, as well as field studies for testing of products and systems. At the same time, each focal field can support the search for suitable partners and conducts technical feasibility studies. The center s range of services is rounded off by a contact office that works on behalf of industry in market, technology and information research. It also provides advice in the fields of biomedical engineering and Medical Device Directive (MDD), as well as on potential sources of funding. Detailed descriptions of our projects and services are available at MOTIV is currently working on projects involving: Û ultrasound guided therapy control of interstitial thermotherapy, Û telematic home and out-patient health care, as well as Û intelligent microimplants for the therapy of hydrocephalus disorders. Mapping of temperature and structure of a LITT-Resion Press representative of the MOTIV competence center: Prof. Dr. Jörg-Uwe Meyer Contact office: Jochen Schmidt Industriestrasse 5 D Sulzbach/Saar Tel.: +49 (0) / Fax: +49 (0) / Û Ultrasound Guided Interstitial thermotherapy (UGITT) The use of thermography in the treatment of tumors dates back to the eighties. Its success rate is based on its ability to completely destroy malignant areas without damaging the adjacent tissues. A method of monitoring therapy online is currently not available, so that treatment is usually only carried out on the basis of standardized anatomical values and the practical experience of the physician. UGITT enables the coagulated tissue to be marked off by analyzing US signals, allowing treatment to be controlled online. Dr. Lemor, the project manager of this development, was awarded the Family Klee Research Prize 2002 for his work.

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